Smith's Iron Hall

Smith's Iron Hall

Smith's Iron Hall William E. Fischer, Jr.
Photo 2 of Smith's Iron Hall Photo 3 of Smith's Iron Hall
1861. 3 N. Main St.

This three-story Renaissance Revival commercial building has a rare, fully cast-iron facade. Because of its corner location, the ironwork and arched windows continue for one bay onto the south elevation. The facade is reminiscent of a Venetian palazzo with its large, paired, round- and flat-arched windows that are separated by paired, fluted Corinthian columns. On the third floor, they illuminate a ceremonial meeting space. Owner William Smith was born in western Pennsylvania in 1800, but spent time in the early 1820s in Philadelphia before returning to Washington County to open a general store. A smaller, two-story, cast-iron-fronted commercial building at 14–16 N. Main Street has similar detailing.

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