Downtown Lancaster Update Lancaster Sherman Rotary Club May 27, 2015
Columbian Building Move-in still on target for late October Structural steel work complete Currently: East- and west-side window install in-progress Roof-work under way HVAC contractor installing ductwork Walls and partitions to start soon Coming soon front windows and conical cap
Mithoff Building Asbestos removed - air monitoring passed Demo permit issued dismantling of 1900 and 1930s additions to start in June 3 rd floor gutted, 2 nd floor 90% (finish this week), 1 st floor to start next week Architect s concept complete will be unveiled Friday at Fairfield Heritage event
Downtown Art
Murals
Public Pianos
Other Happenings Lev s front to be painted an earth tone hue New restaurant in the Rising Building to open soon (Blake & Tiffany Cole) The Well will host a mid-week Farmers Market on Wednesdays, June thru August, 5-8 pm New owners of The Lodge Fortin only weeks away from tax credit announcement for EssexLofts Gateway site close to finalizing EPA monitoring will remove fence and grade for public use
Downtown BHAG
The Keller Market House Project
Background/Research Fairfield Growing: An Agricultural Economic Development Plan Recommends an aggregation facility to address both retail sales and wholesale distribution of local foods. Ohio State Interns prepared general concepts of potential designs for this facility.
Research 382 survey responses from all over Fairfield County What drives food buying decisions - 82% stated Freshness as the most critical driver What is perceived as most important about local food - 69% said supporting the local economy Over 50% of those surveyed cited convenience as the main barrier to purchasing local foods 90% of those surveyed ranked their interest in a local food hub as somewhat interested to extremely interested *Data sourced from a local foods survey organized and executed by Fairfield Growing
Project History A small working group began to explore potential sites Former Lancaster Hardware site identified Original use of this building was a grocery store! Goals: Repurpose this building to meet the community s goals and market demands
Purpose Statement To provide a public gathering place and incubation center where locally grown and produced foods and products may be prepared, aggregated and sold.
Building History 130 / 134 South Columbus St. 1867 William & John B Keller Purchase the building for the purpose of a grocery, provision and liquor business. 1879 A New 2 Story brick building housing store rooms and residence is added. 1888 - Chris Keller takes over operations from his father and the The Keller Quality Shop remains in business 1904 Chris Keller moves the grocery business 1904 1946 Location host automobile dealership and repair shop and eventually a retail shop. 1946 Farmer Brown Store 0pens and hires Merle Swain as an employee. 1953 Merle Swain purchases the store and operates the Lancaster Hardware until its close
Name/ Logo Concepts
Market Objectives Provide a year-round place to sell locally grown and produced food and products Provide an aggregation point for local producers Provide a commercial kitchen space to be used by small businesses for the preparation of local cottage type foods and products Create an incubation environment for small businesses, retailers and restaurateurs Facilitate local partnerships for employment opportunities
Market Objectives, Cont. Create a social space where members of the community can congregate Create a regional destination for Downtown Lancaster Create a venue for small musical performances and other events Utilize the market as a local foods education and agriculture awareness center
Prospective Vendors Fresh or frozen meat counter Cheese shop Fruit stand Veggie stand Natural soaps/ cosmetics Small convenience store/sundries Bakery or bagel shop Spices, herbs and micro-greens Deli Candles Artisan pizzas / flatbreads Sandwich or sub shop Wine and/or craft beers Candy and/or cookies Coffee stand Ice cream stand Taco/burrito stand Maple syrup stand Honey stand
Prospective Partners Fairfield DD (Job Fusion & Green Machine) Lancaster Farmers Market Bremen Farmers Auction Fairfield Growing/Local Food Council Lancaster City Schools Culinary Arts Program Southeastern Correctional Facility
Planned 1 st Floor Amenities 8,100 Sq. Ft. Small, Medium and Large Vendor Spaces (Ranging from 125 sq. ft. - 300 sq. ft.) Food service vendor spaces 1,100 Sq. Ft. Dining/Public Space 600 Sq. Ft. Commercial Kitchen Men s & Women s Restroom Facilities Stage
First Floor Interior
Concepts
Next Steps Execute the work plan!
Catch the vibe come Downtown!