Embedded Files
This property in Washington has been a significant spot throughout the town's history. As early as 1837, a schoolhouse existed on the property. The original schoolhouse was rebuilt in the latter half of the 19th century, along with a building in the back for recreation that locals called "the gymnasium." However, the dimensions of the building would hardly qualify it as a gymnasium nowadays.
This second schoolhouse, Holland School, served Washington well. Washington's legendary teacher, Mary Italin, spent most of her career there.
When Washington Grade School was reconstructed in the early 1950s, it was determined that the Holland School was insufficient for the students' future needs, and the district sold the property in 1953 to Earl Zimmerman, contractor and then-mayor.
Zimmerman's first chore was clearing the lot. He sold the school building to John Blumenshine, a student of Mary Italin at that school. Blumenshine dismantled the school and used the timber and shingles to construct the garage at 404 N. Wood Street, which still stands. Blumenshine originally used the garage as his bicycle shop.
Zimmerman began constructing a commercial plaza on the site, which cost $70,000. In today's money, that would be over $750,000. The building neared completion in late 1953, and six offices were available for lease.
Upon the opening of the Professional Building, four tenants were secured: Dr. George Cohen, dentist Dr. Bud Engel, insurance man Terry Burns, and attorney Mel Moehle. Within a year, optometrist Dr. John Lichtenwalter and chiropractor Dr. A.A. Scoggin filled the other two offices.
Businesses have come and gone over the years, including Dr. Julio Barron, who came to Washington in 1960, and Dr. Phillip Baer, who arrived in 1973. A complete list of businesses in the original building includes:
Moehle & Associates: 1954-2018
Hubert Engel, Dentist: 1954-1988
T.D. Burns Insurance Agency: 1954-1961
George Cohen, MD: 1954-1959
Washington Finance Corporation: 1955-1958
John Lichtenwalter, Optometrist: 1955-1987
Alden A. Scoggin, Chiropractic: 1955-1958
Bill Schroeder Financial: 1957-1959
G.B. Geppner, Chiropodist: 1958
Public Finance Corporation: 1959-1964
Boote’s Verlee Beauty Shop: 1959-1961
Dr. Julio R. Barron: 1960-1963
Bob Summer Insurance: 1960-1964
C.W. Clarke Chiropractic: 1963-1970
Aetna Finance Company: 1968-1970
Lincoln National Realty: 1970
State Farm Insurance: 1970-1992
Washington Accounting Service: 1973
Philip Baer, MD: 1973-1983
Joseph G Weller, Attorney: 1975
Boulos & Kanetti OB-GYN: 1981-1982
Andrea Witlin OB-GYN: 1982
Theodore Jennings, Optometrist: 1987-1997
David Krick, Dentist: 1989-1994
Ronald Suarez, Optometrist: 1997
Simpson Technology: 1997
Vision Care Center: 1997-1998
McClendon Land Surveying: 1998
Lorie’s Barber Shop: 2005-2018
Navas & Associates: 2005-2008
Jostens: 2014-2018
Happy Feet Massage: 2015-2016
Emma’s Barber Shop: 2017
Perillo Art Studio: 2017
With interest in the Professional Building fading from a tenant perspective, Dr. Joel Lovell and Washington Dentistry purchased the site and completely renovated the building in 2019 to meet their needs. Businesses post-renovation:
Washington Dentistry: 2019-2024
Charlie + Co Salon: 2021-2024
Mathis Home Strategies: 2021-2023
Salus Wellness: 2024
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