The Arnold Block was built in 1878 and has gone through many phases of life and community use. The building was fist used as a harness shop, with owner Fred Arnold running a life insurance business on the second floor. Since then it has hosted a law practice, furniture shop, a marketing firm, a catering business, and most recently a community center, featuring conference and event spaces for people to gather, offices and meeting space for freelancers and small businesses, a certified commercial kitchen for caterers and value-added food producers, and a movement studio with workout classes for all ages.

In 2023, Christopher and Amanda Helali took over ownership of the building, excited for the opportunity to steward the building for the next phase of its life. They envision the Arnold Block as a mixed-use building, with gathering space for community events, a store front for a local business, and apartments for much-needed housing in the area.

“We want to use the Arnold Block to serve the most people and have the greatest impact. Our hope is to be a place where all Vermonters can feel at home and to be a hub for progressive movements.”