14: McIntyre Building

The McIntyre Block at 12 Pleasant Street, was built in 1914 by Thomas James McIntyre (1877-1941), at what was the junction of Pleasant Street and Water Street on the west side of Bank Square. It possesses 30,308 square feet, including a 3,330-square-foot garage and 6,652-square-foot basement.  The building houses nine commercial units on the ground floor along Pleasant Street and on Water Street. There are 21 one-bedroom apartments on the two upper stories. 

Thomas James McIntyre Sr. was a businessman who operated Cocheco Beef and Laconia Produce Company, and the People Market Co. chain.  He married Helen Gray and had 3 sons.  Son Thomas Jr. was a lawyer and politician. He became mayor of Laconia from 1949-1951 and a US Senator from 1962-1979.  Son Richard Trask McIntyre, an actor, died at 24 of heart disease. Their third son, John, 1905-1977, was the manager the McIntyre Properties.

The Carroll Barber Shop (largest in the city) occupied the corner storefront from 1922-1967.  At one time, the Western Union office was on the ground floor.  In its earlier days, the McIntyre building was home to many teachers who rented apartments on the upper floors.