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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 recently for two reasons:
- To restore the building.
- To reuse it in a manner that
provides economic spinoff, vitality and excitement to the immediate
downtown area.
The Clarendon requires total
restoration. The $500,000 first phase is complete as is phase II. This
includes new windows, a new roof, 100% masonry restoration and
structural enhancements which are designed to produce a totally stable
and enhanced structure. The third phase is estimated to cost about $2.0
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 City hopes to retain ownership
of the hotel, but would consider selling all or a portion of its
interest under certain conditions.
Ownership may be
transferred into some other vehicle in order to utilize the federal
historic tax credit program. The building is eligible as a part of a
National Historic District. A Part Two application has been made for
such credits.
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