OCAW Montgomery Ward Building

Built in 1928 this building was originally the Montgomery Ward & Company building.  Montgomery Ward remained as the sole tenant until after 1959, when it was given over to general retail space.  The building's current occupants are EZ Pawn and Matay Lunch & Latte'.

This building was constructed during the downtown's fourth phase of development which is most visible today.  It was a period of rapid commercial expansion framed by the Great War and Great Depression.  Older wood frame buildings were being replaced by larger more substantial structures.  The railroad was now a permanent feature across the waterfront where Lincoln, Laurel and Oak streets reached out to expand the downtown north with an orthogonal web of docks.

It was built in what is best described as a commercial venacular style.  Through its size, form, scale and materials, as well as its relationship to its neighbors and the street, this structure helped to establish the downtown's historical pattern of development. 

This is a two-story, three bay, commercial row structure.  It has ground floor storefronts with continuous, tall multiple light transom.  The three upper story windows have decorative uneven muntins.  It has a flat roof with a low parapet and rests on a concrete foundation.  The facing is brick.  It has an entablature with returns and relief work panels.  There are lozenges above the upper windows.  The piers, at transom level have Tuscan capitals with carved panels below.

This project was complete by Liquid Painting as the contractor.