The Market House, pictured here in a file photo from this past winter, is currently closed for renovations. Tabitha Johnston

SHEPHERDSTOWN — When the Shepherdstown Public Library began the process of moving out of its longtime home, the Corporation of Shepherdstown-owned Market House, to move into its permanent home at 145 Higbee Lane last month, town residents began to question what would become the new resident of its former building.

The Market House, after all, is located in the epicenter of downtown Shepherdstown, between the Shepherdstown Sweet Shop Bakery and the War Memorial Building — a location both tourists and residents would be unable to ignore, if left empty. Unfortunately, immediately finding a new tenant for the location is not a viable option, according to Town Recorder Lori Robertson.

“The Shepherdstown Market House is in need of repairs and now that it is empty, with the Shepherdstown [Public] Library having successfully moved to their new, beautiful location, what better time to do it!” Robertson said. “The Market House will undergo renovations and once completed, its use will be determined.”

The need for the renovations has often been a topic of conversation in town council meetings, so having the opportunity for the building to be closed for extensive renovations, without interfering with the business of its renter, will hopefully set up the Market House well for many future years to come. After all, the building itself has experienced significant wear and tear over the years since its construction in 1800, in the location of what had formerly been an outdoor market space since the mid-1700s.

“The town built the Market House in 1800, placing the whipping post and public hog pen on the south end,” said the Corporation of Shepherdstown Comprehensive Plan website, regarding the initial uses of the location. “Offenders of town ordinances suffered public punishment [at the whipping posts]. Hogs running loose could be seized for public auction.

“In 1845, the International Order of Odd Fellows added the second story in exchange for a 999-year lease. After the town market closed in 1854, the town enclosed the stalls with brick exterior walls, and the building became a firehouse. It also served from time to time as town council chambers, a private school and a meat market,” the Corporation of Shepherdstown website said. “In 1926, the Shepherdstown Women’s Club obtained permission to use the building as a library, sharing the premises for some years with the town jail. The Shepherdstown Library, Inc. had the Odd Fellows’ 999 year lease voided in 1962.”

According to Robertson, the amount of work needed to be done on the building has not yet been fully determined.

“Global Environmental & Remediation, LLC was called in to do a mold and asbestos analysis [of the building]. They tested for mold with the results being negative, and also conducted an asbestos analysis. Asbestos is contained within the first floor tiles which are secure, meaning no mitigation is required,” Robertson said. “All Inclusive Expertise, LLC will be evaluating a building needs assessment for the electrical, plumbing [and] roof. Once they complete the scheduled assessment in two weeks, we will move forward with the necessary renovations.”

However, in spite that, the town is just as ready as its residents to begin looking toward the future of the Market House. To make sure it is operating in agreement with the town’s residents, Corporation of Shepherdstown Town Clerk Amy Boyd is currently developing a survey that will be made available on Sept. 1 for community members to fill out, via the newly established Shepherdstown Market House Facebook page, the Corporation of Shepherdstown website and the Corporation of Shepherdstown’s town resident/business email mailing list.

“The survey will give the public an avenue to voice an opinion regarding the future use of the Shepherdstown Market House,” Robertson said, mentioning regular updates on the progress of the Market House’s renovations and future will be shared on the building’s Facebook page, which she manages.