A building that has stood for over 180 years will undergo renovation and become the new home for two local agencies.
The Wood County Economic Development (WCED) announced via a Facebook post on Tuesday that it has purchased the former Civil War hospital on Avery Street. According to WCED Executive Director Lindsey Piersol, the building was acquired in June for $111,000 using federal earmark funds allocated for 2022/2023. Wood County Assessor records indicate the building was bought from 4Vision LLC.
Piersol explained that the funds were initially intended for industrial redevelopment on Depot Street.
“The price tag there just wasn’t feasible,” Piersol said.
Instead, WCED sought permission from Congress to repurpose the funds for the redevelopment of Downtown Parkersburg, which Congress approved.
Piersol noted that WCED selected the building due to its historical significance and prime location on a main 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 a two-story Federal-style brick home built in 1842, located at 402 Avery St. The guide states that the property was acquired from Henry Logan and operated as one of five United States Army hospitals from 1863 to 1865. It is the only one of the five hospitals still standing. In the 1890s, it served as a civilian hospital, and an addition was made to the south side of the building in 1986.
Remnants of its time as an eye clinic can still be seen, with the sign remaining in front of the building.
Piersol detailed the renovation plans:
“The outside will be redone with a new roof, windows, and door, and it will be repainted, but the exterior look will remain the same,” she said.
The interior will also be renovated, with WCED and Downtown PKB relocating their offices to the building.
Downtown PKB, a nonprofit dedicated to enhancing downtown Parkersburg to support commercial establishments, encourage investment and entrepreneurial activities, create downtown living opportunities, and promote tourism, will be a key tenant in the building.
Piersol stated that several steps need to be completed before renovations can commence, due to the funding coming from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. These steps include conducting a phase I environmental study and coordinating with the State Historic Preservation Office. An open bid process for the renovation work is also required.
“I would hope by this time next year we would be in the building or close to being in the building,” Piersol said.
The community has reacted positively to the news.
“People seem very excited that a building is being renovated instead of torn down,” she said.
WCED is enthusiastic about the renovation and plans to share updates on their social media pages. Piersol emphasised their commitment to transparency throughout the process to encourage more historic preservation in Parkersburg.
