New Bedford Free Public Library, 613 Pleasant Street, c. 1838, Greek Revival Style

613 Pleasant Street, New Bedford Free Public Library, c. 1838, Greek Revival Style

The current building at 613 Pleasant Street was built c. 1838 as the New Bedford City Hall. The City Hall was upstairs and downstairs was a public market place, common for city halls in the early 19th century. The building was originally designed by the architect Russell Warren (1789-1860) who was the signature architect in New Bedford during the Whaling era. In 1906 a fire destroyed the interior of the building. The present building was reconstructed after the fire between 1907 and 1909. Prominent New Bedford architect Nathaniel Smith (1866-1943) was hired to add wings on both sides and the back end to replicate the original Greek revival style. He was also responsible for completely redesigning the interior to include the marble staircases, rotunda and mosaic tile floors. Once reconstruction was complete, the buildings switched permanently and the City Hall became the New Bedford Free Public Library.