[2] Development on the north side of downtown Springfield was spurred by its proximity to the railroad lines that made the city an important regional transportation hub.

A portion of this area became the plant of the Wason Manufacturing Company, maker of railroad cars.

The Powers Block, a six-story brick building at 27-37 Lyman Street, was built in 1873 by the Wason Company on part of its old factory grounds.

It has five stories, and provided warehouse and factory space to the Powers Paper Company.

An addition in 1881 increased its size by more than half, and a sixth floor was added in 1910.