UVM National Register North Street Burlington Vermont

University of Vermont

Vermont Cultural Heritage Network

Community Preservation Research Projects

North Street Historic District
Burlington, Vermont

(#50) 144 North Street / c.1878 / Riley's Market

This two story, 4 x 4 bay, gable front south facing corner market/apartment building was originally a market/residence. Like the building across the street, the canted store entrance is situated on the North Street/Rose Street corner. A two-story flat-roofed ell extends the length of the east facade where at the front right bay there is an entrance for walkup apartments. There is another two-story wing addition in the rear, with its entry on the second floor. The storefront and its windows have been altered. Most of the other windows have 2/2 double sash. A pent roof has also been added for the storefront between the first and second floors. The foundation is stone and concrete; the wood frame is balloon; the wallcovering is clapboard and the roofing is slate.


This corner building has a long history of use as a neighborhood market. Sanborn Maps and City Directories indicate that the building has been operating continuously as a market/general store since the late 1800's. The store has had several different owners and names. The 1869 City Directory lists Bruno Riley living on North Street near Rose Street. From c.1879-c.1881, Breno Riley (probably same person as Bruno-different spelling) operated a general store here; most likely he was the first resident as well. Edward Riley used a small portion of the right front bay of the building, as a barber shop, during this period. The 1881-3 City Directory shows a Joseph Louis Roberts had a grocery store here and his home was next door at 150 North Street. Maps illustrate that a barn and ice house were located behind this building in the 1890's. Mr. Roberts died in 1893 but his son Joseph continued the grocery business. During the early 1900's a space behind this building was used as a tailor's shop. In 1930 Doenges Bros. is listed as well as a barber, William Sears. In 1965 Larow's Market opened its doors - Larow's has been in business for 30 years.


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Prepared by Elaine Park
mpark@moose.uvm.edu