Posted April 19, 200817 yr Here are some older articles talking about developing downtown apartments. Downtown Residents hopeful new condos will improve Mansfield Reprinted with permission of Mansfield News Journal. This article appeared in the Mansfield News Journal on November 26, 2006. Written by Linda Martz Downtown Mansfield already is home to a few working professionals - people who don't have far to go when it's time to clock in at the office. Rob Hemmick, who runs the computer lab at the Mansfield Richland County Public Library, moved downtown about a year ago, renting an upper floor apartment in a building on South Park Street. "I just like urban living," he said. It takes him just three minutes to walk to work. On frosty winter mornings, "by the time most people have their windshield scraped off, I'm already there," he said. Hemmick enjoys living in a neighborhood with interesting architecture - each building different, not stamped from a cookie cutter like some subdivisions. "I'm always drawn to downtowns, and I'm drawn to the history of the buildings," he said. He thinks it's sad Mansfield has lost some of its great old downtown buildings like the Southern Hotel, where Teddy Roosevelt once greeted local voters. "Now it's just a gravel lot with about three cars on it," he said. Hemmick would like to see more people living downtown, but realized it's tricky business making downtown space attractive to middle-class people who are used to settling in the suburbs. It's a chicken-or-egg dilemma, he said. "How can you put the businesses in when you don't have the people? (And) how can you get people in when the restaurants close at 5 p.m.?" Those with a penchant for adventure are likely to be the first to move in, he said. Hemmick said he's aware of Engwiller Properties plans to market $100,000.00 condos on upper floors of buildings. He admits he could more easily envision empty nesters moving into upscale condos than young professionals like himself. "I don't know too many young professionals that have that kind of money," he said. Still, he's hopeful. Alan Wigton also lives downtown, in the same building as his business, Little Journeys Bookshop, 16 S. Main Street. The move to downtown housing three years ago meant a few adjustments. He got rid of a boat and second car. Now Wigton rents a parking space for his remaining car for $ 12 a month. He uses that space by day, then parks either there or near meters at night. His car has never been broken into, unlike his previous address on Park Avenue West, where thieves struck twice. "I've always felt safe at night," he said of downtown, noting that the west end of the square has improved as a residential neighborhood. One of the two bars near his residence shut down, which reduced noise at night from people who trekked between the two. Wigton believes one factor that has slowed the number of projects to convert downtown space into housing is that people insist on elevators before they'll take an upper-story unit - an expensive proposition not all landlords can provide. "People any more have no tolerance for going up 25 steps from the street to an apartment," he said. The business owner said he hopes Engwiller Properties is successful with its upscale condo plan. He could envision current retail shops, which have a little extra space, gradually taking on "mini-mart" functions - selling milk and bread on the side - as more people move in. "That kind of thing would grow along with the population," he said. and... Upscale condos could revitalize city's downtown Reprinted with permission of Mansfield News Journal. This article appeared in the Mansfield News Journal on November 26, 2006. Written by Linda Martz A downtown developer hopes luxury condominiums being planned now will add diversity and demand that will be good for the downtown business climate. In 2008, Engwiller Properties will start marketing the first of up to 38 condos it plans to renovate in upper floors of retail buildings Annamarie Fernyak, marketing and leasing director for the company, sees "empty nesters" as a top market - people in their mid-50's or older whose children are grown, who are eyeing retirement and who like small communities and want to be active, without responsibility for yard maintenance. Young urban professionals without children will be another target market, she said. Engwiller Properties plans to put the upscale condominiums, finished to the buyers' own tastes, up for sale at prices starting at $ 100,000.00. "We know really it's going to take one person to make that jump, and then it's going to take off," she said. Fernyak, an interior designer, ran a retail business in the Carrousel District for 12 years before taking over the property management portion of Engwiller Properties, which is run by her in-laws, John and Mimi Fernyak. She sees herself condinuing what has been their "labor of love" the last few decades - purchasing downtown buildings and renovating them for new use. "The Chamber District has a lot of heart," Annamarie Fernyak said. Up to now, the Fernyaks have focused on creating attractive retail space on the ground floors of downtown buildings, she said. With much of that work done, it was time to begin renovating the second and third floors of five downtown buildings for housing. But the first real work is being done in the building near the corner of Fourth and Main Streets, which has a rooftop view of Richland Carrousel Park. That building has space for 10 to 12 condos and will be marketed as The Lofts on Main. One additional nearby unit, "108 Rear," could be created above the Manhattan Room at 108 N. Main Street. With their high ceilings and windows stretching nearly floor to ceiling, the downtown buildings will make great condos, she said. Security, a big issue for empty nesters, will be dealt with at The Lofts by creating a small parking garage for condo owners, which they would access with a garage door opener. A fenced-in- walkway between The Lofts and the parking area would provide safe access at any hour, Fernyak said. Exterior walls will be insulated to keep heating bills under control - though if buyers prefer, interior brick walls can be left as they are. Noise between floors will be dampened by lowering ceilings 6 to 8 inches and blowing in insulation. "Even after that, ceiling heights in the Lofts will be impressive," Fernyak said. Condo buyers can work with Engwiller Properties on design choices, including countertop materials and appliance colors. "We are building to suit, within certain parameters," Fernyak said. People interested in buying an unfinished condo and making improvements on their own, with help from the company, could look into that even before Engwiller Properties completes it's first model units in 2008. "Obviously they could get great prices on the raw spaces," the marketing director said. Four or five prospective buyers - mostly empty nesters - have nibbled the bait, but the company hasn't actually sold units because it hasn't been far enough along on such particulars as elevators or parking, she said. Mansfield has a lot ot offer those looking to retire, she said - a relatively small and intimate Midwestern community, with arts and theater amenities, Mohican State Park, Malabar Farm and "great nonprofits" in abundance where retirees can stay active as volunteers. We want people who have a passionate, vested interest in downtown," who want to see good restaurants and businesses in their neighborhood, she said. "Our goal is to do these two, then move on the the next one," she said. " We've been planning this for 12 years." Engwiller Properties plans to sell the spaces, not rent. "we don't want to be residential landlords. They will only be for sale, not for lease," Fernyak said. Main Street Mansfield would like to see Engwiller Properties succeed with its plans, said spokeswoman Jennifer Kime. More than 9,000 people work in the downtown area, she said. The addition of several hundred people living downtown could strengthen the customer base for nearby businesses, especially restaurants, Kime said.
April 23, 200817 yr I'm going to be placing this in NE Ohio. "You don't just walk into a bar and mix it up by calling a girl fat" - buildingcincinnati speaking about new forumers
May 14, 200817 yr You can go here for more information about the Renaissance Theatre. Capital Campaign Join us as we CELEBRATE the IMAGINATION in ALL of us... ...through the POWER of live performance. Imagine Stage II: The Renaissance Capital Campaign Capital Campaign - View 11 Capital Campaign - View 01 Capital Campaign - View 05 Phase one of the IMAGINE campaign is set to begin construction in the Spring of 2008! Renovation History: 1982-1985 $2.25 million campaign * $5.6 million in today's dollars * Front of house improvements including rest rooms and offices * Plaster and paint restoration * Stage lighting, sound and rigging upgrades * Madison Theatre marquee installed as well as Madison Theatre projectors Current Needs: * Larger lobby, updated for today's needs * Expanded rest room capacity Family rest rooms * Elevator/ADA compliance * New box office configuration * New administrative offices * Volunteer resource room Benefits to the Region: * Improves quality of life and economic impact * Expanding offerings in Arts and Education * New Downtown vitality and presence * Attracting industry and labor force * Benefiting downtown businesses * Growing regional destination point * Community gathering place Are you interested in being a part of the IMAGINE: STAGE II Campaign? Call Terri Bergman, CEO, at 419-522-2726 ext. 816
July 1, 200816 yr Expansion begins at Renaissance Theatre in Mansfield By LOU WHITMIRE • News Journal • June 29, 2008 MANSFIELD -- The crowd at the Renaissance Theatre cheered and quickly scattered for drier ground after the Renaissance Performing Arts Association broke ground on its Imagine Project. [email protected] 419-521-7223 http://mansfieldnewsjournal.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080629/BUSINESS/806290334/1046
July 1, 200816 yr Interesting project. Marion seems to be doing just about the same exact thing at their theater currently.
July 2, 200816 yr It is really exciting that the Renaissance is expanding and I am looking forward to the finished project and it is cool that Marion's theater is expanding too.
August 8, 200816 yr Funds approved for $1.85 million expansion project at Renaissance Theatre News Journal staff report • August 6, 2008 MANSFIELD -- The Ohio Cultural Facilities Commission approved $1.85 million at its quarterly meeting Tuesday for an expansion project at the Renaissance Theatre in Mansfield.
August 30, 200816 yr Banks help Renaissance Theatre's move ahead with remodel in Mansfield By LISA MILLER • News Journal • August 29, 2008 MANSFIELD -- Another piece of the funding for the Renaissance Theatre's $5.1 million expansion project was put into place Thursday when Richland County Commissioners agreed to serve as a conduit for $1.85 million in loans from local banks. [email protected] 419-521-7240
February 24, 200916 yr City block grant requests aim to fight blight By LINDA MARTZ • News Journal • February 24, 2009 MANSFIELD -- City Council seems inclined to sprinkle funding from federal block grants on deteriorated housing during 2009. [email protected] 419-521-7229
March 4, 200916 yr Mansfield has projects, but needs funding By LINDA MARTZ • News Journal • March 4, 2009 MANSFIELD — City officials aggressively pursued federal funds for five major projects during last week’s trip to Washington, D.C., Engineer James DeSanto said. [email protected] 419-521-7729
March 18, 200916 yr Mansfield sells home in Chamber District By LINDA MARTZ • News Journal • March 18, 2009 MANSFIELD -- A West Virginia couple will move into the first Chamber District home sponsored by the City of Mansfield. [email protected] 419-521-7729
May 9, 200916 yr Survey stirs talk of downtown Mansfield Artspace housing By JAMI KINTON • News Journal • May 9, 2009 MANSFIELD -- Step Two in the Artspace housing study got underway Friday. [email protected] 419-521-7220
June 18, 200915 yr Plans emerge for former Woodville Elementary By LINDA MARTZ • News Journal • June 18, 2009 MANSFIELD -- An Akron developer wants to renovate an abandoned elementary school if City Council will agree to rezone the three acres it sits on. [email protected] 419-521-7729
June 18, 200915 yr ^This? http://www.flickr.com/photos/oldohioschools/sets/72157603843509996/comments/
July 9, 200915 yr Mansfield OKs, by 5-4 vote, buying $160K acre By LINDA MARTZ • News Journal • July 8, 2009 MANSFIELD — The City of Mansfield will continue with its plans to build two new industrial parks on more than 170 acres near the airport despite its budget worries and the dampening of business expansions. [email protected] 419-521-7729
July 14, 200915 yr Operation Uplift to kick off with demolition By JAMI KINTON • News Journal • July 14th, 2009 MANSFIELD — Noel Stevens believes the entire community is needed if downtown Mansfield is going to receive a much-needed makeover. [email protected] 419-521-7220
August 28, 200915 yr Mansfield housing authority rescued By JENNIFER BLUE • News Journal correspondent • August 28, 2009 MANSFIELD -- Relief for Mansfield Metropolitan Housing Authority's ailing budget -- in the form of $320,000 in federal funds -- should arrive by week's end.
September 16, 200915 yr Federal $ to pay for Mansfield demolitions By LINDA MARTZ • News Journal • September 16, 2009 MANSFIELD -- City council approved demolishing 16 dilapidated houses Tuesday. Federal funds will pay to tear down 13 of those homes. It's the first round of a larger project involving $1,698,773 in Neighborhood Stabilization Program funds the city has been allocated. The program was created to aid urban areas suffering from increased vacancies and property devaluation resulting from the foreclosure crisis. Cities can use the grants to acquire land and property, demolish or rehabilitate abandoned properties, or offer down payments Read more at mansfieldnewsjournal.com
September 17, 200915 yr Will feds fund more demolition, rebuilding? Could be largest project in city history By LINDA MARTZ • News Journal • September 17, 2009 MANSFIELD -- A second round of federal foreclosure funding could lead to the largest reconstruction project in city history. The project would raze dilapidated housing and rebuild on those same sites with money from the Department of Housing and Urban Development. Community Development Director Cindy Baker is optimistic favorable news will arrive in early December. If so, it could mean $5,219,500 is heading here as part of Neighborhood Stabilization Program funding. The city was allocated $1,698,773 in the first round. "That would be the largest grant in the history of the city, for community development," she said. Read more at mansfieldnewsjournal.com
November 7, 200915 yr Group targets north end for revitalization By MARK CAUDILL • News Journal • November 7, 2009 MANSFIELD -- Sixty-one percent of the housing on the city's north side is substandard. The North End Community Improvement Collaborative hopes to change that -- and more. Staff from the North Main Street organization presented the first draft of a community economic development plan Friday to about 30 people, including state Rep. Jay Goyal, Mansfield Mayor Don Culliver and City Council members Ellen Haring, Pat Hightower and Doug Versaw. ... More at: mansfieldnewsjournal.com
December 6, 200915 yr Bridgewater development continues to grow By LOU WHITMIRE • News Journal • December 5, 2009 MANSFIELD -- Despite a slow economy, Bridgewater, Richland County's new resort-style condominium community, isn't slowing down. Peter Pizarro, of Joshua Development -- the Epcon franchise building Bridgewater Community -- said the single-family condos are being built around one of the community's large ponds. Amenities will include a clubhouse, fitness center, swimming pool, 9-acre nature preserve, walking trail and a fishing pond. Co-owners of the 40-acre plot are local residents Pizarro, Matt Mecurio, Marc Mecurio and Peter Haring. ... More at: http://www.mansfieldnewsjournal.com/article/20091205/BUSINESS/912050309/1046/Bridgewater-development-continues-to-grow
January 27, 201015 yr I will try to get some exterior and interior shots when I go home this weekend. Curtain rises on theater expansion By JAMI KINTON • News Journal January 27, 2010 MANSFIELD -- A brush of paint and a cleaning sweep will complete the new addition to the Renaissance Theatre. Tuesday, the News Journal toured the $5.4-million addition, which will be open to the public from 2 to 5 p.m. Sunday. Despite a few paint cans and the need for some finishing touches by construction workers, the new 30-by-70-foot lobby sparkled with a vibrant gold. ... Read More Here
February 1, 201015 yr As promised, I took pictures of the completed Renaissance Theater expansion project. More photos here
March 26, 201015 yr NCSC will open urban 'dream center' The center Community effort BY LOU WHITMIRE NEWS JOURNAL • MARCH 25, 2010 MANSFIELD -- North Central State College plans to bring higher education downtown. On Wednesday, after nearly a year of planning, the school announced it will expand to offer college courses and services in downtown Mansfield beginning in January. The new Urban Higher Education Center will be housed in the main floors of 134 through 140 N. Main St., in the Carrousel District.
April 9, 201015 yr Downtown getting facelift; detours minimal BY AL LAWRENCE NEWS JOURNAL CORRESPONDENT APRIL 8, 2010 MANSFIELD -- City officials say residents should see few detours or road closings during an $860,000 summer-long project to revitalize and enhance portions of the city's 30-year-old downtown. Work began this week. The project, completely funded through the American Recovery and Renewal Act, includes new curbs and replacing brick pavers with colored concrete stamped to mimic brick on North and South Park streets, along with portions of Park Avenue West and Third and Walnut streets. New handicapped curb ramps will meet federal standards. Trees will be replaced and new waste receptacles and park benches will be installed. There also will be new, large street signs on the traffic signal arms. Read More...
April 9, 201015 yr "Replacing brick pavers with colored concrete stamped to mimic brick"? So, so tacky, Mansfield.
April 16, 201015 yr City Council: North End group makes effective pitch for block grant funds BY LINDA MARTZ • NEWS JOURNAL APRIL 16, 2010 MANSFIELD -- After spending millions in federal funds over the years trying to combat blight by targeting specific buildings or lots, City Council signaled a possible shift in philosophy Thursday night. Council members will follow the North End Community Collaborative's proposal for a more grassroots approach to spending Community Development Block Grant funds this year. The collaborative asked for $80,000 from the city for a beautification program in north end neighborhoods. Deanna West-Torrence, director of the nonprofit group, said north end residents have identified 40 lots that could be cleaned up by teams of young people under adult supervision. Read More...
April 18, 201015 yr Cross-posted in the Mansfield Preservation thread Tallest building here has long history Chase Tower changes hands for 4th time in 81 years BY LINDA MARTZ • NEWS JOURNAL APRIL 18, 2010 MANSFIELD -- The Chase Tower -- purchased this week by a local owner planning major renovations for the downtown landmark -- has an intriguing history. Farmers Bank President E.S. Nail, the businessman who spearheaded construction of the 12-story skytickler in 1929, made sure the new building would be the city's tallest -- higher even than Richland Bank, which was to be erected one block to the east. "Mr. Nail had power and influence," said historian Scott Schaut, who operates the Mansfield Memorial Museum. "He was the head of the Chamber of Commerce and was on the city council, and worked closely with the mayor. Read More...
May 6, 201015 yr Inconvenience will be worth it, most say BY LINDA MARTZ • NEWS JOURNAL MAY 6, 2010 MANSFIELD -- Pedestrians walking near Central Park have been forced to thread their way through lengthy mazes of caution tape fastened to orange barrels while the first phase of Mansfield's Streetscape project winds down. ... "I need it to be over, like now. It hurts us," she said. "There is limited parking right now. Customers are not going to walk all the way down the street." Read More... Sometimes I am surprised how lazy Americans (or Mansfielders) are, god forbid if you have to walk down the street!
June 20, 201014 yr Children's museum to open in the fall BY LOU WHITMIRE News Journal • June 20, 2010 MANSFIELD -- The Buckeye Discovery Museum of Richland County -- a new children's museum -- is opening Oct. 1 at 44 W. Fourth St. The museum, founded by three women who are both educators and mothers of young children, will occupy the three-story building that used to house Carousel Magic. Donna Farland-Smith, an assistant professor of science education at The Ohio State University-Mansfield, be executive director for the museum, which will include programs for children in science, literacy, art and music. Read More...
June 24, 201014 yr Cross-posted in the Mansfield Business Developments Thread Mechanics bank will renovate downtown buildings Restoration will include contemporary touches BY LOU WHITMIRE News Journal • June 24, 2010 MANSFIELD -- Five storefronts adjacent to the main office of Mechanics Savings Bank on South Main Street will be returned to their original look in coming months. Deborah Schenk, president and CEO of Mechanics Savings Bank, said the properties, all owned by the bank, will serve a dual role: They will allow Mechanics to expand as needed, while helping to revitalize the south end of the downtown square. "We are excited to begin the renovation work," Schenk said. "The restored space will offer our customers a unique and pleasant environment." Read More...
September 13, 201014 yr I was recently in Mansfield and took pictures of the Mechanics Bank project, NCSC Urban Education Center project, the streetscaping project, and the demolition of the former Ambassador Hotel. The photos can be found here.
March 5, 201114 yr Proposal would reunite Mansfield's Central Park 6:45 AM, Mar. 5, 2011 | Written by LINDA MARTZ MANSFIELD -- A proposal to restore Central Park to its former undivided state has been unveiled. The plan calls for eliminating the split established in 1958 when a Park Avenue cut-through was built through the middle of the park. If the proposal goes forward, Central Park would no longer be two separate spaces, and it would be possible to hold large public events downtown without having to close North and South Park streets to accommodate pedestrians, proponent John Siegenthaler said. Read More...
March 8, 201114 yr ^Agreed, this project would greatly improve Downtown Mansfield. Also, more good news... VOA wants to build facility near Mansfield Correctional 6:53 AM, Mar. 8, 2011 | Written by MARK CAUDILL MANSFIELD -- The local Volunteers of America plans to close its facility on North Main Street and build a new one near Mansfield Correctional Institution on Ohio 13. VOA officials will make their case before the city planning commission at 4 p.m. March 22. If the city planning commission approves the request, it would go to City Council. The VOA has been a source of contention because it treats sex offenders, many from out of the county. The facility, which also has residents with substance abuse issues, limits sex offenders to 45 percent of clients. Read More...
March 9, 201114 yr Mansfield board OKs plans for Ashland University nursing school Mar 9, 2011 | Written by LOU WHITMIRE MANSFIELD -- The City Planning Commission gave its nod of approval Tuesday for the site plan of the new Dwight Schar College of Nursing facility, to be built at Marion Avenue and Trimble Road. The commission also approved storm water management. Commission member Johnny Givand told Rick Ewing, vice president of facilities planning at Ashland University, and a representative of K.E. McCartney & Associates that it was a good plan. Read More...
April 13, 201114 yr District has big plans for closed Mansfield schools Changes include new conversion school, high-tech science center Written by Bryan Bullock MANSFIELD -- Mansfield City Schools announced sweeping plans Tuesday to make use of four vacant buildings. The district's board of education gave Superintendent Dan Freund the OK to put plans into motion to demolish Simpson Middle School, sell the Cline Avenue campus property, allow Hedges Elementary School to be used by a new conversion charter school and convert Springmill Elementary into a high-tech science center to serve all school districts. "We want to be bold and innovative in our efforts to attract students to Mansfield City Schools," Freund said Read More...
May 18, 201114 yr Central Park proposal up for debate at Wednesday meeting Written by News Journal staff report MANSFIELD -- A proposal to redevelop Central Park will be discussed at a meeting Wednesday from 7 to 9 p.m. at Cafe on Main, 28 North Main Street. Community members are encouraged to attend. The plan calls for eliminating the Park Avenue cut-through that runs east and west through the middle of the park. Read More
May 19, 201114 yr Mansfield council approves Volunteers of America site Written by Linda Martz MANSFIELD -- The Volunteers of America may now approach the City Planning Commission to seek approval on specifics of its plan to move to a new $3 million halfway house facility on Mansfield's far north side. Opponents of the project vented their frustration after city council voted 5 to 2 Tuesday to allow correctional facilities to be built on industrially zoned land in that area. Council declined to give the issue three readings before taking its vote. Read More... Mansfield shifts funding for Community Development Block Grants Written by Linda Martz MANSFIELD -- With the City of Mansfield's Community Development Block Grant allocation shrinking further, city council this week tried to come to a consensus on whether to set aside almost all remaining funds for city-operated programs, or share some with nonprofit groups. Council members reached a compromise plan Monday, then approved that plan Tuesday. Earlier this year, working with no final figure for Mansfield's 2011 allocation, council came up with a tentative plan to divide a projected $993,357 among 14 projects. Read More...
June 11, 201114 yr North Main facelift plans heat up 6:36 AM, Jun. 11, 2011 Written by Linda Martz MANSFIELD -- The proposal to make North Main Street a more inviting corridor into the city will intensify this month. Property owners, members of the Richland Community Development Group's beautification sector and other stakeholders have been invited to meet with consultants from the Gahanna-based urban design firm, Bird Houk. The meeting will be from 3 to 5 p.m. June 23 at the fellowship hall of Mount Calvary Baptist Church, 343 N. Main St. Read More...
June 29, 201113 yr Mansfield Planning Commission OKs Volunteers of America site plan Jun 29, 2011 | Written by Bryan Bullock MANSFIELD -- The City Planning Commission voted unanimously Tuesday to approve a site plan for Volunteers of America's proposed halfway house on the north side of Mansfield. Harry Winfrey of Richland Engineering presented the plan and spoke briefly about the facility to be located at 921 N. Main St. He said the property will be served by one driveway and have parking on the west and south side of the building. The site plan, which has been reviewed by city engineering staff, was approved by the commission with little discussion. The vote moves the project forward, but it will still have to come before the commission again for final approval. Read More...
July 13, 201113 yr Consultants to present design concepts for Mansfield park Jul 12, 2011 | Written by News Journal staff report MANSFIELD -- Planning consultants will present design concepts for the redevelopment of Central Park at a public meeting from 5:30 to 7:30 tonight at Cafe on Main. The Richland County Development Group formed the Central Park Project Committee to study how new economic investment could be promoted by redesigning the large public space in the center of downtown Mansfield. Bird Houk, a division of OHM, studied the possibility of eliminating the Park Avenue West cut-through. Read More...
August 18, 201113 yr Mansfield to seek beautification, landscape grant Written by News Journal staff report MANSFIELD -- City council voted unanimously Tuesday to apply for an Ohio Department of Transportation Gateway grant to landscape and beautify the area where North Diamond and North Main streets converge. Earlier in the week, Mayor Don Culliver had raised concerns about the administration not being given enough time to review the plan and long-term costs. Culliver told council before the vote Tuesday he'd discussed the project further with At-Large Councilman Doug Versaw, and supports it. Read More...
August 25, 201113 yr Firm thinks outside the box on Mansfield beautification Written by Linda Martz MANSFIELD -- Design consultants admitted feeling nervous about the reception they might get for the Main Street Beautification Plan unveiled Wednesday. Tony Slanec, director of planning and urban design for Bird Houk, said his Gahanna-based firm initially was hired to come up with two sets of designs for improvements recommended to make the northern gateway to Mansfield more attractive. The Richland Community Development Group was to sort through the plans, settle on one, then seek funding. Read More... The Proposal
September 1, 201113 yr It's about time this place was renovated. I might take picture when I'm in town Friday. Uncle John's Place renovations a hit Aug 31, 2011 | Written by Lou Whitmire MANSFIELD -- Uncle John's Place has undergone a massive restoration, exposing the downtown eatery's historic architecture. Tom Acevski, who spearheaded the construction, said the renovation was altered to fall in line with historic preservation efforts downtown. He hopes the project has made the stretch of South Main Street attractive, complementing ongoing renovations next door at Mechanics Savings Bank. Original hardwood floors and red brick behind the bar, areas once covered by tile and carpet and a large canopy, are now on full display. New booths, cherry woodwork and a restored bar greet guests as they enter the airy dining area. Read More
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