The Louis Sullivan Building of Newark has graced the Courthouse Square for over a century at One North Third Street. It was built in 1914 and opened its doors on August 25, 1915 as The Home Building Association Company, commonly known as “The Old Home”. One of only eight banks designed by noted American architect Louis Sullivan, it is both a national treasure and a treasured piece of Central Ohio’s heritage. Through the years, the Sullivan Building was also home to a butcher shop, a jewelry store and eventually an ice cream parlor. With each new tenant the interior was altered, but the building’s historic and architectural significance never changed. In 1973, it was added to the National Register of Historic Places. 

In 2013, the building was generously gifted to the Licking County Foundation by Newark native Stephen Jones. Since early 2014, the Licking County Foundation Governing Committee and a team of community volunteers known as Team Sullivan have been working to develop and realize a plan for the Louis Sullivan Building of Newark’s restoration and reuse. The vision has always been to create a valuable space that is financially self-sustaining and open for the public to enjoy, celebrate and study. 

That vision has been realized thanks to hundreds of generous donors, countless hours of hard work by a dedicated team of architects, artisans, and construction professionals, and the partnership of federal, state, and local entities ensuring that this treasure serves our community for generations to come. On October 27, 2025, Licking County Foundation handed over the keys of the building to our partner, Explore Licking County, who will call the building home as they welcome visitors from far and near. 

Click here to see what's happening to celebrate the reopening of this iconic structure.