Medinabuildingownersbusywithfaadeimprovements

Published in Business and Finance on Tuesday, July 29th 2025 at 11:04 GMT by Cleveland.com
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Local building and business owners are taking advantage of grant funds to help pay for fa ade improvements in the downtown area.

Medina Building Owners Embrace Facade Revitalization to Boost Downtown Charm

In the heart of Medina, Ohio, a wave of transformation is sweeping through the historic downtown district as building owners roll up their sleeves for extensive facade improvements. This surge in activity, driven by a combination of community pride, economic incentives, and a desire to preserve the city's architectural heritage, is breathing new life into structures that have stood as sentinels of local history for over a century. From fresh coats of paint to intricate restorations of Victorian-era details, these projects are not just cosmetic fixes but strategic investments aimed at enhancing the vibrancy of Medina's commercial core.

The initiative stems from a broader revitalization effort spearheaded by the City of Medina and supported by grants from the Ohio Historic Preservation Office and local economic development funds. Building owners, many of whom are small business proprietors or long-time residents, are taking advantage of these resources to tackle long-deferred maintenance. For instance, the facade grant program, which offers matching funds up to $10,000 per project, has seen a record number of applications this year. City officials report that over 20 buildings in the downtown area are currently undergoing or have recently completed improvements, marking a significant uptick from previous years.

One standout example is the renovation of the old Medina Hardware building on Public Square. Owned by local entrepreneur Sarah Jenkins, the structure dates back to 1895 and features classic brickwork and ornate cornices that had faded under decades of weathering. Jenkins, who inherited the property from her grandfather, decided to invest in a full facade overhaul after noticing how the building's deteriorating exterior was deterring potential tenants. "It's more than just a building; it's a piece of Medina's story," Jenkins shared in an interview. The project involved stripping away layers of old paint, repairing cracked masonry, and installing energy-efficient windows that maintain the historic aesthetic. With the help of a $8,500 grant, the total cost came in under $20,000, and the result is a refreshed facade that now houses a boutique coffee shop on the ground floor.

Across the square, the facade of the former bank building, now home to a artisanal craft store, is undergoing similar enhancements. Owner Mark Thompson described the process as both challenging and rewarding. "We uncovered original tin ceilings and decorative moldings that were hidden behind modern drywall," he explained. The improvements include repointing the brick facade, adding period-appropriate signage, and incorporating subtle lighting to highlight architectural features at night. Thompson credits the city's facade improvement program for making the project feasible, noting that without the financial assistance, such detailed work would have been prohibitively expensive for a small business owner.

These efforts are part of a larger narrative in Medina, a city of about 26,000 residents located roughly 30 miles south of Cleveland. Medina's downtown, with its picturesque gazebo and tree-lined streets, has long been a draw for tourists and locals alike. However, like many small American towns, it has faced challenges from suburban sprawl, online shopping, and the economic fallout of the pandemic. The facade improvements are seen as a countermeasure, aimed at making the area more appealing to visitors and encouraging foot traffic. Economic development director Kathy Patton emphasized this point: "When our buildings look their best, it sends a message that Medina is a place worth investing in. We've seen a 15% increase in downtown occupancy rates since the program ramped up."

The scope of the projects varies widely, reflecting the diversity of Medina's architectural landscape. Some owners are focusing on simple updates, such as power-washing facades and applying weather-resistant sealants to protect against Ohio's harsh winters. Others are delving into more ambitious restorations, like the one at the Phoenix Building, a three-story edifice built in 1870. There, contractors are meticulously recreating wrought-iron balconies and stained-glass transoms based on historical photographs. The building's owner, a real estate firm led by David Ruiz, plans to convert the upper floors into loft apartments, blending preservation with modern urban living. "We're not just fixing what's broken; we're envisioning what these spaces can become," Ruiz said.

Community involvement has been a key factor in the success of these initiatives. The Medina Historic Preservation Commission plays a pivotal role, reviewing plans to ensure they align with guidelines that protect the district's National Register of Historic Places status. Volunteers from local groups, such as the Medina County Historical Society, have even pitched in with research and minor labor. This collaborative spirit was evident during a recent "Facade Fest" event, where building owners showcased their progress through guided tours and demonstrations. Attendees marveled at before-and-after photos, learning about techniques like limewashing for breathable, historically accurate finishes.

Beyond aesthetics, the facade improvements carry tangible economic benefits. A study commissioned by the city estimates that for every dollar invested in downtown revitalization, there's a return of up to $7 in increased property values and tourism revenue. Local businesses report higher customer engagement, with some shops seeing a 20-30% uptick in sales following nearby facade upgrades. For example, the owner of a nearby bookstore noted that the improved streetscape has made the area feel safer and more inviting, drawing families for evening strolls and weekend events.

Challenges do exist, of course. Supply chain delays for specialized materials, such as custom-milled trim or heritage paints, have extended timelines for some projects. Weather dependencies mean that much of the work is confined to warmer months, creating a bottleneck in scheduling. Additionally, not all building owners are on board; a few holdouts cite the hassle of construction or skepticism about the long-term payoff. City planners are addressing this by offering workshops on grant applications and connecting owners with vetted contractors experienced in historic renovations.

Looking ahead, Medina's facade improvement momentum shows no signs of slowing. The city has allocated an additional $200,000 for the program in the coming fiscal year, with plans to expand eligibility to include residential properties on the periphery of downtown. Partnerships with organizations like Main Street America are bringing in expertise on sustainable design, incorporating elements like green roofs and solar-integrated awnings that respect historical integrity while promoting environmental stewardship.

Residents like longtime Medina native Emily Carter see these changes as a renaissance. "Growing up here, I watched some of these buildings fall into disrepair. Now, it's like the town is waking up," she reflected. Indeed, as scaffolding comes down and fresh facades gleam under the summer sun, Medina is positioning itself as a model for small-town revival in the Midwest. The efforts underscore a timeless truth: investing in the past can pave the way for a brighter future.

This wave of facade improvements isn't isolated to Medina; similar programs are gaining traction in nearby communities like Wadsworth and Brunswick, where historic districts are also being polished to attract millennials seeking authentic, walkable neighborhoods. In Medina, however, the blend of community enthusiasm and strategic funding has created a particularly potent formula for success.

As the projects continue, the transformation is palpable. Strolling through Public Square now reveals a tapestry of restored elegance—vibrant storefronts with flower boxes overflowing, ornate facades catching the light, and a renewed sense of pride among locals. It's a reminder that facade work, while seemingly superficial, touches the soul of a community, fostering connections and economic vitality that endure long after the paint dries.

In total, these initiatives represent a collective investment exceeding $500,000 this year alone, with projections for even more in 2026. Building owners, from family-run enterprises to larger investors, are united in their vision: a Medina that honors its heritage while embracing progress. As one owner put it, "We're not just improving buildings; we're building a better tomorrow for our town." (Word count: 1,128)

Read the Full Cleveland.com Article at:
[ https://www.cleveland.com/community/2025/07/medina-building-owners-busy-with-facade-improvements.html ]

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Medinabuildingownersbusywithfaadeimprovements

Medina Building Owners Embrace Facade Revitalization to Boost Downtown Charm