The Montgomery Ward & Co. building is a two-story double-wide brick building constructed on a brick foundation. The building was constructed in 1909 as a two-story garage and operated as a garage, selling and servicing automobiles for 20 years. The building was remodeled so that Montgomery Ward & Co. could lease the building for a department store starting in 1929, operating until the store closed in 1985.

Fifteen plus years of underutilization and vacancy were not kind to the building. The building had become dilapidated and improvements to the outside facade and interior were strongly needed.

The rehabilitation converted a multi-story department store into an indoor market that draws locals, entrepreneurs, and visitors to engage with both Newton’s past and Newton’s future. The open floor plan accommodates rentable units designed to provide flexible, scalable space for fledgling entrepreneurs, chefs, craftspeople and artists to establish and grow their business. The building houses 21 active businesses, with two additional tenants preparing to open.

Photo Credits: “Before” photos by Jerry Schwaller, “After” photos by John Lee Photography