Hubbard buildings revitalized
The work should be completed within two years.
HUBBARD — An old set of apartment units in the center of the city has been saved from potentially being condemned, and ultimately the wrecking ball, by a local man with a history of preserving buildings with a historic significance.
Businessman J.P. Marsh has laid his personal touch on more than 40 area historic buildings and various projects. Now, he is planning to spruce up an old, large, brick building containing 12 apartment units on East Liberty Street.
Mayor Arthur Magee remembers the building from his days visiting relatives as a child. He said the building was in horrid condition and heading toward being condemned by the city, but he is confident Marsh will bring the building up to standard.
“Those apartments were old when my aunt and uncle lived there when I was a kid. I am 72 years old now, and [the building] was old even back then,” he said. “I am pleased that [Marsh] is doing this, it will be a real improvement on a dump.”
Marsh, a man who clearly embraces historic buildings and antiques, said he purchased the property for a number of reasons, including the preservation of history and keeping area workers employed.
“Most people don’t want to take the time to restore something; they would rather tear it down. Trying to duplicate the actual old-time craftsmanship is virtually impossible,” he said. “I had redone the property next door so it was convenient for me, and by buying it, I can keep some people in the Hubbard area employed. There is a lot of work to be done there.”
The front porches to the units were leaning and had to be removed. Roof leaks, outdated windows and back patios that disappeared from various units over the years were a few of the other things Marsh saw when he first looked at the building.
Marsh expects to complete the repairs on the structure inside two years.
He didn’t have an exact cost figure, but it will take thousands of dollars to make the needed repairs. The building, he said, essentially will be as good as it was the day it was initially built. He plans to rent the units out at a moderate cost.
“These things are part of our heritage, part of our past,” he said. “This will be beautiful when it’s done.”
Marsh conducts business from a refurbished historic house on Main Street. The building itself stands as a reminder of how much Marsh embraces history.
From the 100-plus-pound brass cash register that is capable of a high sale of only $8 to the copy of the first 1040 federal tax form hanging on the wall, every corner and shelf in the Marsh office building has something of historic significance.
Marsh said finding the little treasures while renovating old buildings is part of the fun.
As an example, he points to the one-room doctor’s office — thought to be the first doctor’s office in the city — he refurbished and moved several years ago. Inside the building, he found a piece of artwork made entirely of the doctor’s and his wife’s hair. An original inscription on the rear of the hanging art details how it was made.
Marsh does not expect to find any hidden treasures inside the East Liberty Street building, but he said saving the large historic brick structure is his reward.
jgoodwin@vindy.com