ERIN O’NEILL The Marietta Times Derrick Fox, left, owner of Hair Revolution, discusses how he would like to expand his space in Putnam Commons with Cafe 121 employee, Austin Robinson, on Thursday.

Business is not exactly booming at 121 Putnam St., but the current owners and occupants are hoping to attract more tenants in the weeks and months to come now that the space has been cleared by fire inspectors.

Putnam Commons is owned by Roger D. Anderson, of Barnett Ridge Road in Fleming, and managed by Glass Press Properties. The Marietta Times last reported in June that the owner was hopeful to get all matters with the fire inspector dealt with so that the property could once again lease to businesses. In December, the Marietta Fire Department was alerted to an alarm in the building which was triggered when a water line in the building’s sprinkler system broke. Problems with the building’s water line also flooded the basement. Prior to that in November, tenants had started moving out over other building concerns.

“I know that Roger has been trying to work with the city and the fire inspectors have been here recently,” said Derrick Fox, 32, owner of Hair Revolution, which has occupied a space in the building for four months. “It’s important to me (having a business here); I try to stay on top of things.”

Washington County Building Department official Chris Wilson said Thursday that the building has had a fire inspection and the sprinklers and fire alarms are up-to-date.

“All of the businesses there on the first floor also have their occupancy permits posted, so they are all compliant,” Wilson said.

Along with the hair salon, a cafe, used book store and Omnitrition, a health and wellness multi-level marketing business operated by Maribeth Browne, also occupy the first floor.

There are also plans to open a fitness center on the third floor. According to Wilson, the gym’s owners have applied for and are in the process of receiving an occupancy permit. It is slated to open in January, according to the other tenants. The owners of the building would not disclose the owners of the fitness center.

However, according to Marietta Law Director Paul Bertram, there is a stop work order in effect for the second floor of the building.

“There was a problem there because they were putting in drywall and personal bathrooms, like you would for residences, and that building is not zoned for residential,” Bertram said.

Glass Press Properties executive assistant Levi Holbert said they are working to address the stop work order.

“In regard to the stop work order, we are working with an architect for plans (to) further develop the building to clear up any possible concern that has been brought to our attention,” he said. “Nothing new has been submitted to the building department regarding the second floor as we are in compliance with the stop work order. We have been working with Mr. Wilson in regard to other projects underway and will continue to work with him as we move forward.”

According to the Washington County Auditor’s office, the building was purchased in 2009 as part of an auction, which also included Union Station in the 200 block of Putnam. The current valuation for 121 Putnam St. is $19,260.

Before most tenants moved out in November 2016, the building was home to an antiques store, candle shop, Amish furniture, bakery and several crafters.

An employee of the eatery Cafe 121, Austin Robinson, 22, said they have been fielding questions from the public who walk in wondering what the status of the building is.

“We do get a lot of people coming in, asking what’s going on,” he said.

The cafe serves deli-style sandwiches, chips and drinks and there may eventually be a coffee bar, according to the employees. Books 121 is attached to the cafe and buys and sells used books, much like the former Anchor Book Store.

Fox said he is pleased with his salon and its location, something that has been a dream for a long time.

“I have always wanted to just have a salon that’s a one-on-one experience,” he said. “I really like this space, although the parking is a problem. And I would eventually like to expand this space because I feel a little claustrophobic.”

Services offered include haircuts, color, waxing, fades and perms. Fox said many of his clients followed him from Kat’s Salon in the Union Station building, where he was previously, and he is accepting new clients. Hair Revolution is open six days a week: 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., Monday through Friday and 9 a.m. to noon on Saturday.

Recently a “merchant mixer” was held at Putnam Commons to encourage new tenants to take a look at the space.

“We are all very excited for the winter season as we have just installed and new boiler and heating system,” said Holbert. “There are still spaces available for rent at competitive rates and we are always welcoming to any business that wants to take advantage of our great downtown location.”

To contact Glass Press about leasing possibilities, contact Holbert at 740-350-2555.

At a glance

Putnam Commons

¯ 121 Putnam St.

¯ Current businesses: Cafe 121, Books 121, Hair Revolution by Derrick Fox and Omnitrition Health & Wellness Company. A fitness center is planned to open on the third floor in January.

¯ Owner: Glass Press Properties

¯ Contact: For leasing information, glasspressproperties.com or 740-350-2555.