BUILDING HISTORY

 

 

The building, believe it or not, was built in two distinct sections, which is almost impossible to discern today. The first section, located at the corner, was erected in 1907 or 1908. The second section, an addition to the rear of the building, was added between 1915 and 1924.

 

Originally the building housed the German National Bank, who by 1919 became known as Century National Bank. In 1927, the building was taken over by First National Bank and would close for insolvency in 1934. 1939 and $70,000 would bring the new owner, Clarence Smith. The building would then change hands several times over the following decades with individuals, banks and real estate developers all taking their turns at stewardship of Marietta’s skyscraper.

 

Architecturally speaking, the building is a three-part vertical block similar to the divisions of a classical column: base, shaft and capital. Surface ornamentation is in the Renaissance Revival Style.

 

Its location on the corner of Second and Putnam Streets is historically important to Marietta. Here is the site of the first Washington County Courthouse, which was subsequently rebuilt on the opposite corner where it stands today. The site then contained the Sheriff’s office and Jail. By the end of the 19th century, the business district was shifting from the Ohio River area along lower Front Street to Putnam Street. The building of this structure and several more in the immediate neighborhood is a visible result of the oil and gas boom that occurred in the county at the turn of the century. Yes, there was “oil in them thar hills.”

 

Interestingly enough, Marden opened offices in the building at the end of 1985 as an operating oil and gas company, Marden Petroleum Exploration Company, Inc., the predecessor of all of The Marden Companies. Our first offices consisted of 6 rooms on the 8th floor that did not have the benefit of air-conditioning. Over the years, Marden acquired the entire 8th floor and most of the 7th and engaged in a significant restoration effort, creating the current office suite where none existed. At all points in the restoration, we were cognizant and respectful of the history of the building, and most of the original features have been retained and restored. Marden, through its sister company, Magco, Inc., also worked extensively on various building restoration projects in the mid 90’s with its then owner, The Dime Bank.