Description

Welcome to the Historic Paint Street Walking Tour! Paint Street has a long and unique history, showcasing both the commercial and residential growth of Chillicothe. The northern end of Paint Street, once a bustling hub of activity, was home to a variety of businesses, including pharmacies, general stores, and hotels. Many of the structures on North Paint Street between Water and Second Streets were built in the wake of the Great Fire of 1852, which devastated much of the downtown area. As you move south, the street reveals some of the city’s most architecturally significant homes, highlighting the rich history and character of Chillicothe.

11 stops | 11 min | 1.7 mi

On This Tour

104 North Paint Street

Wissler Building

This building was used as Officers Club No. 1 during WWI and the days of Camp Sherman. It is currently being remodeled to provide new spaces for shops and restaurants. (Image © ArchiTexty)

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28 North Paint Street

Law Complex

Home of the Ross County Law Complex since 1989, this site once housed the Hotel Carson. Through the years this block has also been home to the Ross County Bank Building and Kresge's Department Store.

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31 North Paint Street

Warner Hotel

The Valley House, shown in image, was constructed in 1851 and was completed within three years. In 1886, the Valley House had become the Emmitt House, and was remodeled by Jacob Warner and renamed the Warner Hotel.

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1 North Paint Street

50 West Building

Now home to 50 West Brewing, this structure was originally the site of the Central National Bank, then the Savings Bank, and Huntington Bank. This building was originally designed to be 8-10 stories tall, but due to costs, plans were scaled back.

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26 South Paint Street

City Hall

Chillicothe's City Hall, or City Building, was built in 1875 in the Italianate style, before being remodeled in 1956. For many years the back part of the building housed the city jail before being moved into the County Law Complex in 1989. Note the alley to the north of City Hall, which allowed access to the city's market house.

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35 South Paint Street

City Administration Building

This building serves as the City of Chillicothe's Administration Office, however, it was originally home to a JC Penney Department Store.

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61 South Paint Street

St. Mary’s Parish

Dating to around 1816, St. Mary's Parish Office is one of the oldest structures in the city. It has had a variety of uses, once being used as an Academy for Young Ladies by the Sisters of Notre Dame.

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75 South Paint Street

St. Mary’s Catholic Church

St. Mary's Catholic Church was built in 1869. For years the church also operated a school that was around the corner on Fourth Street. The structure for the school no longer exists.

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80 South Paint Street

The Franklin House

This house was built in 1907 and was designed in the Prairie Style. It is now owned by the Ross County Historical Society where they operate a women's museum within. The Historical Society is located around the corner at 45 W. Fifth Street.

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105 South Paint Street

The Postmark

Originally built in 1906 as the Post Office, this structure was later used as a Christian school and other businesses. The post office moved to its current location on Walnut Street in 1966.

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140 South Paint Street

Chillicothe Ross County Public Library

The Chillicothe Ross County Public Library was built in 1906. It was one of many in the U.S. that would receive financial assistance through the philanthropy of Andrew Carnegie.

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