Washington Trust Company Building: A Legacy of Architecture and Commerce
Standing as a testament to the early 20th-century economic boom, the Washington Trust Company building is a landmark of commercial architecture. Once the largest commercial structure in Washington, this historic building reflects the city's growth, its resilience through economic hardship, and its ongoing evolution into a modern mixed-use space.
Architectural Evolution and Scale
The building is characterized by two distinct phases of construction. The original section, completed in 1903, rises six stories. To accommodate growth, a ten-story addition was constructed in 1927. By the beginning of 2015, this combined structure held the title of the largest commercial building in Washington.
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The Rise of a Financial Hub
The structure was commissioned as the headquarters for the Washington Trust Company, an entity formed in 1901 through a series of mergers and acquisitions of other financial institutions. At the time, the banking sector was expanding rapidly, fueled by a surge in local coal and oil extraction activities.
The company had previously operated out of rented space in the Swan Building, but the need for a dedicated, larger facility became evident as the economy grew. The building's design served a dual purpose: the first floor was dedicated to banking operations, while the upper floors provided office space for a variety of professionals, including engineers, doctors, and insurance and real estate agents.
Due to its strategic location directly across Main Street from the county Courthouse, the building also became a preferred address for legal professionals, cementing its status as the center of the town's professional community.
Economic Shifts and Ownership
The prosperity of the early century came to an abrupt halt during the Great Depression. The Washington Trust Company was unable to survive the economic collapse and closed its doors in 1931. Following the closure, the building passed through the hands of several different banks before being sold to a development group in 2013.
Despite the trend of low occupancy affecting many downtown areas in smaller cities, the building has remained a vital hub. It continues to house various professional offices and maintains a bank on its ground floor.
Modern Redevelopment Plans
In 2012, the Washington County Redevelopment Authority unveiled plans by Trek Development to revitalize the structure. These plans aim to modernize the building's utility by integrating commercial space, retail outlets, and the addition of up to 44 apartments, ensuring the landmark remains relevant in the 21st century.
Key Facts
- Original Construction: Completed in 1903 (6 stories).
- Expansion: 1927 addition (10 stories).
- Historical Status: Largest commercial building in Washington as of early 2015.
- Economic Driver: Growth was spurred by coal and oil extraction.
- Closure: The Washington Trust Company failed during the Great Depression in 1931.
- Future Use: Planned conversion to include retail and up to 44 apartments.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Original Height | 6 Stories (1903) |
| Addition Height | 10 Stories (1927) |
| Primary Original Use | Banking and Professional Offices |
| Key Redeveloper | Trek Development |
| Proposed Residential Units | Up to 44 apartments |
Frequently Asked Questions
Why was the Washington Trust Company building constructed?
It was built to serve as the headquarters for the Washington Trust Company, which needed more space than its rented offices in the Swan Building could provide due to a banking boom driven by coal and oil extraction.
When did the building expand?
The building underwent a significant expansion in 1927, adding a ten-story section to the original six-story structure.
What happened to the Washington Trust Company?
The company closed in 1931 after failing to survive the economic impact of the Great Depression.
Who currently manages the redevelopment of the building?
Trek Development is responsible for the redevelopment plans announced via the Washington County Redevelopment Authority in 2012.
What types of tenants originally occupied the upper floors?
The upper floors were occupied by professionals such as doctors, engineers, insurance agents, real estate agents, and legal professionals due to the building's proximity to the county Courthouse.