Bluefield in Mercer County, West Virginia — The American South (Appalachia)
Bailey Building
704 Bland Street
| | Bluefield Downtown Commercial Historic District | |
has been placed on the
National Register
of Historic Places
by the United States
Department of the Interior
1923
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Architecture • Industry & Commerce. A significant historical year for this entry is 1923.
Location. 37° 16.01′ N, 81° 13.314′ W. Marker is in Bluefield, West Virginia, in Mercer County. It is at the intersection of Bland Street (U.S. 52) and High Street, on the right when traveling south on Bland Street. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 704 Bland St, Bluefield WV 24701, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Regionally, this marker is in the Southern Coalfields. It is also in the American South, specifically in the Upper South, in Appalachia, and specifically in Southern Appalachia. Globally, it is in North America, the Western Hemisphere, the Western World, and the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once the territory of the Mississippian Culture.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Bluefield (within shouting
this page online
Also see . . . Nomination Form for the Bluefield Downtown Commerical Historic District.
The Bailey Building, as the Appalachian Power Company Building, is part of the Bluefield Downtown Commerical Historic District as a noncontributing structure. The nomination form was prepared by Michael J. Pauley, Historian, and Michael Gioulis, Historical Architect, with Gioulis and Pauley in September 1985. The summary statement of significance is on page 17:
The Bluefield Downtown Commercial Historic District, located at the commercial heart of Bluefield, Mercer County, West Virginia, is significant for being the economic, political and social center of one of the leading citiesof southern West Virginia. It is also significant for having played a pivotal role in the opening of the vast Pocahontas Coal Field and the related rise of the Norfolk and Western Railroad in this region, simulareous events whose overwhelming significance to West Virginia, Virginia, and the entire central Appalachian region cannot be denied. Its period of significance stretches from its founding in 1889 through 1935, by which time Bluefield has acquired, with some few exceptions, its historical architectural context.
An architectural description of this specific building is on page 12:
54. Appalachian Power Company Building, 704 Bland Street, noncontributing, 1923, 1939. A six story block brick Classical Revival building with many Art Deco elements, the results of the 1939 remodeling. Originally constructed in 1923 as the Bailey Building, it was taken over by the Appalachian power Company in 1938-39 and remodeled at a cost of over $800,000. The building has horizontal brick bands along the front elevation. Windows are tripled and one over one. There is a stone parapet with a central uncarved cartouche. The first floor is made up of large display windows with aluminum Art Deco lintel hoods separated by ashlar stone pilasters supporting a stone cornice. A neon sign that hangs vertically over four stories is a prominent feature of the 1939 period. Interior lobbies have exquisite Art Deco detailing, with metal and wood railings, metal clad elevator doors, stainless steel mailboxes, terrazo and brass strip floor. The Auditorium has unique aluminum and glass hanging strip fluorescent fixtures radiating from the elevated stage.(Submitted on July 9, 2026, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia.)
Credits. This page was last revised on July 10, 2026. It was originally submitted on July 9, 2026, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia. This page has been viewed 5 times since then. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on July 9, 2026, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia.
