West Virginia Building
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| The West Virginia Building | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Former names | Union Bank, Trust Building |
| General information | |
| Status | Open |
| Type | Office Building |
| Architectural style | Renaissance Revival-style |
| Address | 910 4th Ave, Huntington, West Virginia 25701 |
| Town or city | Huntington, West Virginia |
| Country | USA |
| Opened | 1925[1] |
| Design and construction | |
| Architecture firm | Meaner and Handloser |
The West Virginia Building is the tallest in Huntington, West Virginia.
History
Huntington's downtown area flourished from 1900 to 1930, driven by the railroad industry that established the city as an industrial hub. This economic boom led to the development of various local businesses, hotels, and churches. During the 1920s, several grand bank buildings were constructed to accommodate the thriving economy.[1]
In 1924, the Union Bank and Trust Company commissioned the architectural firm Meaner and Handloser to design a Renaissance Revival-style office building at the corner of 9th Street and 4th Avenue. The fifteen-story structure featured an ashlar stone façade on the bottom and top floors, with brick in between. Initially, this building served as the new home for the Union Bank and Trust Company, replacing their previous frame structure on the same corner.[1][2]
Despite extensive promotion during its construction, the Union Bank and Trust Company closed following the 1929 stock market crash. In 1943, local businessmen purchased the building and renamed it the West Virginia Building, which was then the state's tallest commercial building.[1]
Walgreens Era
In 1937, the building's first floor was remodeled to house a Walgreens Drug Store, which became known for having the best soda fountain in Huntington. One of its employees, Virginia Ruth Egnor, later became the 1950s television star Dagmar.[3] The Walgreens store closed in 1961 when the company declined to renew its lease. Thrift Drug Company briefly occupied the space afterward.[4]
WSAZ and Broadcasting
In 1949, when news station WSAZ transitioned from radio to television, their offices were temporarily located in the West Virginia Building to utilize its height for broadcasting.[5] Notably, in 1950, the station crew broadcasted a live fire from a building window at The Tipon Theater.[6]
Later Use and Renovations
Over the years, the West Virginia Building served various purposes, including commercial space and apartment units, housing Marshall University students. By 1981, the building had deteriorated and was purchased by Perry, Monroe & Perry for $500,000. The firm invested millions in refurbishing the structure, converting most office space into apartments, upgrading utilities, and adding a restaurant space on the top floor.
In 2007, the building was acquired by Well Street Properties, LLC, a New York-based company. Local businessman Alex Vence purchased it in 2013 and continued renovations to create upscale luxury apartments. Notable improvements included cosmetic upgrades to the exterior and the installation of a multi-colored LED lighting system on the top two floors, modeled after the Empire State Building's lighting system, which changes colors to commemorate various events and holidays.[7][8]
Impact
The adaptive reuse and ongoing renovations of the West Virginia Building in the 2010s contributed to the revitalization of downtown Huntington's economy. It stands as a successful example of preserving and repurposing historic structures.[1]
See also
References
- ^ a b c d e "Lost Huntington: The Union Bank". Herald Dispatch. July 10, 2017. Retrieved July 18, 2024.
- ^ "West Virginia Building is tallest in downtown Huntington Skyline". Herald Dispatch. August 1, 2009. Retrieved July 18, 2024.
- ^ ""The Delightful Dagmar," Huntington Quarterly 35, 1999". Archived from the original on 2018-09-23. Retrieved July 18, 2024.
- ^ Casto, James (October 11, 2016). "Lost Huntington: 9th Street Walgreens". Herald Dispatch. Retrieved July 18, 2024.
- ^ Roe, Ken. "History of WSAZ-TV, Huntington". Jeff Miller. Retrieved July 18, 2024.
- ^ "The Tipon Theater". cabellcountydoorstothepast.com. Retrieved July 18, 2024.
- ^ "10th Floor, The West Virginia Building". Downtown Huntington. Retrieved July 18, 2024.
- ^ "Visit Huntington,The WV Building". Visit Huntington. Retrieved July 18, 2024.