The Mechanics Block was an important contribution to the main business street of Prescott when it was completed in 1874. This property remains an integral part of the present downtown streetscape. The commercial buildings of the 1870s continue to dominate the main street and to determine its character even today.

Thomas Coates, Samuel Miles Coons, and Nesfield Ward purchased the property from Peter Moran. The three property owners co-operated in the construction of the large business block.

This three-storey building had a façade that was faced with yellow brick while the sides and back were constructed with red brick. There are four bays across the façade, each containing three windows which have stone sills and arched limestone cornices supported by small consoles. The large wooden cornice across the top of the building is decorated with brackets terminating in acorn-shaped finials.