$10 Million Investment to Transform Historic Glass Press Buildings in Downtown Marietta

A long-vacant pair of historic buildings in the heart of downtown Marietta is poised for new life through a transformative $10 million redevelopment project. Ataraxia Properties, LLC, in collaboration with JobsOhio, Ohio Southeast Economic Development (OhioSE), the Southeast Ohio Port Authority (SEOPA), and the City of Marietta, today announced plans to redevelop the Glass Press buildings into a vibrant mixed-use destination featuring housing, dining, office space, and new opportunities for community connection.

“By investing in Ohio’s historic downtowns, we are creating new housing, attracting new businesses, and bringing new energy to communities across the state,” said Governor Mike DeWine. “For more than a century, the Glass Press buildings have been part of the fabric of downtown Marietta, and that legacy will live on in the community’s new chapter.”

The project represents a major investment in downtown Marietta’s future while preserving an important piece of the city’s architectural and commercial history.

“The Glass Press buildings helped build Marietta once. Now they’ll help build its future and bring new energy to downtown,” said JobsOhio President and CEO J.P. Nauseef. “A project of this size wouldn’t have been possible without strong collaboration alongside OhioSE, SEOPA, the City of Marietta, and the local developer to preserve a piece of the city’s history and create new office space, housing, dining and gathering spaces for the community.”

The project involves the adaptive reuse of 43,800 square feet across two connected historic buildings. Once complete, the rehabilitation project will create elegant apartments on the upper floors, with a coffee shop, offices, and a food hall occupying the ground-floor commercial spaces.

“After more than two years of extensive planning, coordination, and dedication, we are incredibly excited to be approaching the start of construction on the Glass Press Project. From the beginning, our vision has been to breathe new life into these historic buildings while creating something truly special for downtown Marietta and the surrounding community,” said Seth Murphy, manager of Ataraxia Properties, LLC.

Work will include exterior masonry repair, installation of new compatible windows, replacement of roofing systems, and full upgrades to building systems. Interior work will focus on removal of non-historic alterations, restoration of historic materials, and reconfiguration of layouts to support contemporary uses.

“Working with Ohio Southeast Economic Development has been an outstanding experience. Their guidance, commitment, and willingness to help navigate the many challenges of a project of this magnitude have been instrumental in bringing our vision closer to reality,” said Murphy. “We are also extremely grateful for the support and collaboration of JobsOhio, the Southeast Ohio Port Authority, and the City of Marietta. This project represents much more than restoring two historic buildings. It is an investment in Marietta’s future, creating new opportunities for businesses, residents, and visitors while preserving an important part of the city’s history. We look forward to seeing years of hard work come to life and are excited about the positive impact this development will have on downtown Marietta for generations to come.”

Located at 212 Putnam Street and 217 Union Street, the Glass Press buildings have a rich history, serving as locations of prominent Marietta businesses for over 100 years.

“Redeveloping the Glass Press buildings represents the kind of bold, forward-looking investment our community deserves. This project will preserve an irreplaceable piece of Marietta’s history while creating new housing, dining, and gathering spaces in the heart of downtown,” said Jesse Roush, former President and CEO of the Southeastern Ohio Port Authority. “We are proud to help transform a long-vacant landmark into a vibrant destination that will strengthen downtown Marietta for generations to come.”

Built in 1900 and 1906, the buildings have housed everything from a furniture and music store to a publishing company before they were purchased by the Ataraxia Properties in 2023.

“OhioSE is pleased to be part of supporting this exciting and catalytic project with a JobsOhio Vibrant Communities grant,” said Matt Abbott, OhioSE President and CEO. “We love to see historic buildings brought back into productive use – especially when their revitalization can add vibrancy to the community and meet market needs. We look forward to seeing this investment generate additional momentum for Marietta’s downtown.”

This restoration project, supported by $2.5 million in State Historic Tax Credits, aims to preserve the architectural integrity while updating necessary aspects for the buildings’ longevity, continuing their legacy for future generations in downtown Marietta. JobsOhio is also supporting the project with a Vibrant Community Grant of $1 million.

“I applaud the outstanding efforts of the Ataraxia Properties group of local individuals reinvesting in the communities that helped shape them. Their commitment to creating opportunities, strengthening the local economy, and the hometown spirit of giving back is commendable,” said State Senator Brian Chavez.”

The JobsOhio Vibrant Communities Program offers competitive grants for development projects that help transform areas within a distressed community. Eligible projects include mixed-use projects, real estate development projects, and operated shared spaces, that meet the JobsOhio project criteria.

"Thank you to JobsOhio and OhioSE for their part in helping bring these historic buildings back to life. This sort of visionary investment echoes the efforts made by the pioneers who originally built Marietta,” said State Representative Kevin Ritter.

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Ohio Southeast Economic Development (OhioSE) is the JobsOhio Network Partner for southern, eastern, and southeastern Ohio, providing economic development work and resources in 25 rural counties. Geographically the largest of the seven regions across the state, OhioSE partners closely with regional development districts, local economic development offices, state agencies, and other entities to expand, retain, and attract businesses in the counties they serve.