National Transit Building, Bauwerk in den Vereinigten Staaten
The National Transit Building is a four-story brick structure in Oil City completed in 1890 with an annex added in 1896. The main building and annex are connected by a glass-enclosed bridge, while the interior features marble floors, oak wood paneling, and decorative brass and bronze fixtures.
The building was constructed in 1890 as the first U.S. office structure for oil pipeline companies, particularly serving Standard Oil Company under John D. Rockefeller. After decades as a business hub, it was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1978 to preserve its industrial significance.
The building takes its name from its role as a hub for oil pipeline operations. Today artists occupy studios inside and display their work, giving the historic structure a new creative purpose for the community.
The building is located in downtown Oil City on Seneca Street and is easy to find and visit. The complex with its four floors and connected sections is walkable as are the historic sites in the surrounding area.
The building contains doorknobs made from old Civil War cannonballs and a stairwell featuring elaborate wrought iron and brass work. Inside the annex sits a historic water-powered elevator modeled after the Eiffel Tower lift.
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