Black-Elliott Block
Also known as: Jupiter Building
Why it's listed
Built around 1876 at 525 Main Street in Zanesville, this three-story brick commercial block rests on a sandstone foundation. It was erected for Peter Black and Henry Elliott, two prominent local businessmen. Black helped found the First National Bank and built the Clarendon Hotel. Elliott, a Baltimore native, founded the Elliott Paper Company. The upper stories are divided into three vertical sections by smooth pilasters with fleur-de-lis patterns. Round and flat-topped window arches carry incised floral lintels and dripstones, and a projecting bracketed cornice caps the facade. The ground floor was altered to one large storeroom during the long tenancy of the S.S. Kresge Company, which leased the building from at least 1916 until the 1970s, though the original cast iron columns remain. The building is regarded as the only remaining High Victorian Italianate commercial building in Zanesville and a strong example of that style's detail and polychrome effect.
Significance in brief: The nomination argues it is the only remaining example of High Victorian Italianate commercial architecture in Zanesville and a prime example of that style. It is also tied to Peter Black and Henry Elliott, prominent local businessmen, and to the long tenancy of the S.S. Kresge Company.
Machine-generated summary. This summary was generated by a language model from the official nomination document and has not been reviewed line by line by an editor. It may contain errors. Check the source document before relying on any detail. Source: nomination document (PDF) · National Archives catalog entry. NRHP reference 79001914, listed May 8, 1979. Summary generated October 2026 (model claude-sonnet-5-5, prompt v1.0-2026-10-29, confidence high).
Key facts
| Address | 525 Main St., Zanesville |
|---|---|
| County | Muskingum County |
| Listed | May 8, 1979 |
| Reference number | 79001914 |
| Resource type | Building |
| Period of significance | 1800-1899 |
| Architectural style | High Victorian Italianate |
| Areas of significance | Architecture |
| Level of significance | Local |
| Status (as stated in the nomination) | Described as in good condition and occupied; the first story was altered for Kresge's use, and the upper facade is painted faded yellow. |
| Acreage | 0.9 |
| Within district | Muskingum River Navigation Historic District |
| Coordinates | 39.94032, -82.00575 (NPS GIS) |
What listing means for this property
For an income-producing building, listing (individually or as a contributing building in a district) is the gateway to the 20% federal rehabilitation tax credit on qualified rehabilitation costs, often stackable with state credits. Work claiming the credit must follow the Secretary of the Interior's Standards and be approved in advance.
Listing does not restrict a private owner acting without federal money or permits; where federal funding or licensing is involved, Section 106 review applies.
General information, not legal or tax advice. Rules change; confirm with your State Historic Preservation Office or a qualified adviser.
Sources and further reading
- National Park Service, National Register of Historic Places database (snapshot May 2026), reference 79001914.
- Nomination form (PDF, National Archives) — catalog entry
- Wikipedia article (used for cross-checking only; text not reproduced here)
- Wikidata Q4920054
- This listing as JSON
Last updated October 2026. Found an error? See the editorial policy for how to report it.