PARKERSBURG — A historic building over 180 years old will soon be renovated to house two local agencies.
Wood County Economic Development (WCED) announced via Facebook on Tuesday that it has acquired the former Civil War hospital on Avery Street.
WCED Executive Director Lindsey Piersol stated that the building was purchased in June for $111,000 using federal earmark funds for 2022/2023. According to Wood County Assessor records, it was bought from 4Vision LLC.
Initially, the funds were intended for industrial redevelopment on Depot Street, but logistical challenges led WCED to seek congressional approval to repurpose the money for the redevelopment of Downtown Parkersburg. Approval was granted.
WCED selected the building due to both its historical importance and its location on a major downtown thoroughfare.
According to the Greater Parkersburg Convention and Visitors Bureau’s Historic Guide to Wood County, the building, also known as the Henry Logan House, is situated at 402 Avery St. and was built in 1842 in the Federal style. The property was an army hospital between 1863 and 1865 and is the last of five such hospitals still standing.
Over the years, the building also served as a civilian hospital in the 1890s, and an addition was built in 1986. It was previously an eye clinic.
WCED plans extensive renovations, including updating the roof, windows, door, and exterior paint, while retaining its historical appearance. The interior will also be renovated to accommodate WCED and Downtown PKB offices.
Downtown PKB is a nonprofit aimed at enhancing downtown Parkersburg by supporting current businesses, encouraging investment, fostering entrepreneurship, promoting downtown living, and boosting tourism.
Due to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development’s involvement in funding, renovations will require a phase I environmental study and coordination with the State Historic Preservation Office. The renovation work will be awarded through an open bid process.
Piersol hopes that WCED and Downtown PKB will be able to move into the building by this time next year, noting that community feedback has been very positive.
“There is a lot of excitement about the renovation,” she said, emphasizing the importance of preserving historic structures in Parkersburg. WCED plans to keep the public informed through social media updates.
“We’re thrilled to have a new home,” Piersol added.