In 1808, at a cost of $382, the Town of Shrewsbury purchased a building at the fork of Boylston and Prospect Streets for its first public school. In 1830, the Brick Schoolhouse was erected at the head of the Common. Residents of the town were granted permission to add a second floor to the schoolhouse for use as a public gathering and meeting place, provided that they assumed responsibility for maintaining the roof. This space became known as the "Central Hall".