The Odd Fellows Building

The historic Odd Fellows Building, downtown Midland's oldest structure located at the corner of Main and Rodd streets (116 Rodd Street), is undergoing a significant renovation. Constructed in 1876 following a fire that destroyed a previous wooden building, this landmark was originally built as a general store/trading post and has served various purposes throughout its history, including functioning as a hotel. The mixed-use redevelopment will maintain commercial spaces on the ground floor, including current tenant Swae' Spa, while transforming the currently vacant second and third floors into five residential apartments, featuring a distinctive townhouse that will span two floors and incorporate the original hotel staircase. The renovation embraces a preservation philosophy described as "historic preservation with a nod to modern needs," with the exterior design remaining largely unchanged while the interior undergoes comprehensive modernization. Preservation Forward is serving as the historic preservation specialist on this project, completing the National Register of Historic Places nomination process that includes historic narrative, architectural history, statement of significance, and other documentation, with plans to present it to the State Historic Preservation Review Board for approval and submission to the National Park Service for listing in 2025. Additionally, Preservation Forward is providing both technical guidance and financial incentive expertise while working closely with owners, local, state, and federal partners, architect, general contractor, and tradespeople. To make the project financially viable, the developers plan to utilize several financial mechanisms including the Obsolete Property Rehabilitation Act, Brownfield Redevelopment incentives, and historic tax credits, with rehabilitation efforts anticipated to begin in summer 2025.