(pictured above: $600,000 Phase I Rehab)

Background Information

The Clarendon is a beautiful 15,000 S.F. Romanesque Revival style building made of red brick and native sandstone. Built in 1890, it was once a grand hotel on the National Road (National Road is the nation's first federally funded, multi-state highway, St. Clairsville's Main Street, a federally designated National Scenic Byway, and an "All American Road"). Ohio is channeling tourism efforts towards driving tours of this road, along with the nearby "River Scenic Byway" at State Route 7.

The Clarendon is located in the heart of St. Clairsville's busy downtown, across from the Belmont County Courthouse, an architectural /historic masterpiece, is centered in a National Historic District, and a local architectural district.

Over the past 30-40 years, the Clarendon slowly evolved into a transient hotel. The City purchased the building for two reasons:

1. To restore the building.
2. To reuse it in a manner that provides economic spinoff, vitality and excitement to the immediate downtown area.

The Clarendon required total restoration. The $600,000 first phase is complete as is the $340,000 phase II. This includes new windows, a new roof, 100% masonry restoration, separate elevator and fire stairs, and structural enhancements which are designed to produce a totally stable and enhanced structure.

The third phase is estimated to cost about $2.2 million and will be completed by the owner. All remaining work shall be on the inside of the building. Thirty five dedicated parking spaces will be available for the project. On street parking is also available.

The project shall utilize the federal and state historic tax credit programs. The building is eligible as a part of a National Historic District. A Part 2 federal application has been made for such credits, and state credits have been approved.