The now-two-story Clark Building, slotting in between two of the oldest buildings in Northfield’s downtown, is actually one of the newest itself. The Clark dates back to about 1925, when it was originally built as a one-story building. This timeframe can be seen in its architectural style, which represents how commercial buildings evolved from the late 19th century—when much of the downtown was built up—to the 1920s. Construction materials had not changed; it is still built of brick and stone. But, the building’s more minimal detailing reflects the transition towards functionalism in American architecture that had been in full swing for decades by the 80s, when the upper floor appears to have been added.

This building replaced an earlier one in this lot that housed a barbershop, and within a few years, 319 Division Street was a barbershop once more. From the 20s up until the late 60s, under at least five periods of ownership, the barbershop here endured. In 1962, the other longtime occupant of the building moved in: Marvin Grundhoefer’s law office.