Six century-old buildings were honored Tuesday night by the Fort Dodge Historic Preservation Commission during a presentation at the Fort Dodge Public Library.

Some of the buildings have served many purposes over the years, according to Carissa Harvey, senior city planner.

One such building is at 425 First Ave. S., which today is Rojohn Home Improvement.

Harvey said the building, over the past 100 years, has housed a lumber company, a real estate agency and a construction company.

Another building is 320 First Ave. S., which spent much of its time as an auto repair business. Most recently it was LB Home Improvement.

Likewise, 1012 First Ave. N., which today is Choice Printing. For many years was a car dealership.

When it was first built, the Snell Building originally housed 156 offices and was the home of First National Bank.

Matt Doyle, who owns the Snell Building, 801-805 Central Ave., said an elevator there was the only way to access the upper floors of the Boston Centre, which is next door. Doyle said at the time of the Snell Building’s construction, the Boston Centre didn’t have an elevator. A hallway connected the two buildings.

Doyle said that connection no longer exists.

Howard Hartman, a member of the Fort Dodge Historic Preservation Commission, gave a presentation on the Masonic Temple, which actually broke ground in 1914 but wasn’t dedicated until 1915.

“The elevator was installed in the ’60s,” Hartman said. “It was nice to have since the building is three floors.”

He added that William Williams, who is considered to be the founder of Fort Dodge, was a member of the Masonic Temple.

In 2010, the temple was sold to the Beacon of Hope, which today assists homeless men in the Fort Dodge area.

Though Beacon of Hope Director Steve Roe was unable to attend the event Tuesday, he asked Hartman to share some information about the shelter.

“Today there are 52 beds,” Hartman said. “And over 1,000 men have passed through since 2010.”

While the purposes of many buildings have changed over the years, the one that has stayed the same since its construction is First United Methodist Church.

Though parishoners have been practicing in Fort Dodge since 1854, the present building wasn’t built until 1915.

Harvey said next year three buildings will be honored for turning 100: 606 Central Ave., 1003 Central Ave. and 1101 Central Ave.