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Iron Block
Watertown,
Jefferson County
lost
landmark status: State and National Register-listed.
threat: demolition.
Built in 1850, the Iron Block anchored the northern
side of Public Square (a historic district) in downtown Watertown
and was distinguished by Italianate and Gothic details. In 2003,
City Council voted to demolish the row although stabilization costs
are significantly less than demolition. A stated reason for this
action was to open up views to the Black River but in reality,
only parking lots would become visible. A further irony is the
fact that Watertown is one of the 12 pilot communities selected
for the NYS Department of State Quality Communities Program. The
League assisted with support for a new not-for-profit group formed
to save the Iron Block but with a citywide mission, legal advice,
and intervention with state government. Despite local and national
attention, these structures were demolished in April, 2005.
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