Avery Street Civil War hospital building purchased and set for renovation.
PARKERSBURG — A historic building that has stood for over 180 years will soon be renovated to house two local agencies.
Wood County Economic Development (WCED) announced on Facebook Tuesday that it has purchased the former Civil War hospital on Avery Street.
WCED Executive Director Lindsey Piersol shared that the organization acquired the building in June for $111,000 using federal earmark funds designated for 2022/2023. The purchase was made from 4Vision LLC, according to Wood County Assessor records.
Originally, the funds were intended for industrial redevelopment on Depot Street, but the projected costs made this plan unfeasible, Piersol explained.
The inside of the former Civil War hospital on Avery Street in Parkersburg is pictured. Wood County Economic Development purchased the building in June and plans to renovate and locate their offices in it. (Photo Provided)
Instead, WCED requested Congress to repurpose the funds for redeveloping Downtown Parkersburg, which was approved.
Piersol noted that WCED chose the building for its historical significance and its prime location on a main downtown thoroughfare.
According to the Greater Parkersburg Convention and Visitors Bureau’s Historic Guide to Wood County, the Henry Logan House, located at 402 Avery St., is a two-story Federal-style brick home built in 1842. It served as one of five U.S. Army hospitals from 1863-1865 and is the only one still standing.
The building also functioned as a civilian hospital in the 1890s, and an addition was added in 1986 on the south side. The old sign from when it was an eye clinic remains in front of the building.
WCED plans to renovate both the exterior and interior of the building while preserving its historic appearance. "The outside will be redone with a new roof, windows, and door, and repainted, but it will maintain the same look," Piersol said. The building will serve as office space for WCED and Downtown PKB, a nonprofit dedicated to improving downtown Parkersburg.
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Before renovations can commence, WCED must complete a phase I environmental study, collaborate with the State Historic Preservation Office, and conduct an open bid process for the renovation work. Piersol hopes that the building will be ready for occupancy by this time next year.
The community response has been positive, with many excited to see the historic building preserved rather than demolished. WCED plans to share updates on social media to encourage more historic preservation efforts in Parkersburg.
"We’re excited to have a home there," Piersol said.
Michelle Dillon can be reached at mdillon@newsandsentinel.com
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