M&M Block

The M&M Block is associated with early St. Marys resident William Hutton. The Hutton family emigrated to St. Marys from Hampshire in 1849 and were the successful owners of the town's water mill. William Hutton was also an early mayor of St. Marys and was responsible for the construction of many substantial limestone blocks in St. Marys, including the Box House and the First Hutton Block.

Located in historic downtown St. Marys, the M&M Block is a fine example of local limestone vernacular. It is constructed with local limestone and stands in contrast to the great Opera House which is located directly to the south. The block features a smooth, simple 11 bay facade with three chimneys. Reminiscent of Italianate architecture are the finely finished voussoirs on the ground level and the segmented flat arches and projecting keystones above the windows on the second and third storeys, which provide a sense of unity between the ground level storefront and the upper Makami River Bridge Rehabilitations, Elevation to a Group "B" Undertaking Highway 144, Sudbury, Unorganized, North Part upper storeys. Also of note are semi-elliptical transoms above the store windows which alternate between stone lintels above the doorways.

The simplicity of the M&M Block provides a visual contrast to the opulence of the Opera House, while the limestone construction provides visual continuity with the built fabric of the downtown. To the west of the M&M Block lies the Thames River, emphasizing the historical importance of the river to Hutton's entrepreneurship and wealth, and the growth and development of St. Marys.