Sultana Building - 1912 - Williams, Arizona - Dated Architectural Structures Multifarious on Waymarking.com

This is a rather plain building with a very colorful history. Oldest continuous operating liquor license in Arizona; site of the first "talkie" movie in Northern Arizona; and, oh yes, that speakeasy in the basement during Prohibition are just some of the things that made the Sultana "World Famous"!

- Marker Text

Historic Property Name: Sultana Building
Architect/Builder: Ben Sweetwood
Construction/Modification Dates: 1912

The Sultana Building is a large, high, single-story square plan commercial building approximately 90 x 90 feet, constructed of rusticated concrete block. It has a horizontal parapet and is divided by block walls into three units. The western unit was a bar, the central unit a theater, and the western unit was office and businesses divided into two store front bays with large plate glass windows. Although the Sultana primarily faces north onto Bill Williams Ave., its east facade facing 3rd st. is clearly visible with concrete sills and lintels. The rear has a section which was added to the building in 1937. This was used as a business office. The metal panels in the gable end are placed above rusticated cement block.

The interior has been paneled over, but there are plans to restore it. The window enclosures are recoverable and the building is in need of maintenance, but despite this, the Sultana still retains a high level of integrity.

The Sultana Building, built by Ben Sweetwood in 1912, is historically significant as a major commercial building in Williams which housed the city offices for over forty years, the local newspaper, the first talking picture show in northern Arizona, and was the location of many civic functions as well as entertainment. During prohibition the basement was used for gambling and drinking and later closed to the public. Architecturally, the Sultana is one of the few local examples of early concrete block industry. Its massiveness and styling contribute to the overall integrity of the District, and its role in the entertainment and civic functions for the citizens of Williams makes it an important contributor to the history of Williams.

- National Register Application

Year built or dedicated as indicated on the structure or plaque: 1912 Full Inscription (unless noted above): see long description... Website (if available): [Web Link]

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