Richland County Land Bank Seeks Redevelopment Proposals for Former Swan Cleaners Building

The Richland County Land Bank is inviting developers to submit proposals for the redevelopment of the former Swan Cleaners building at 165 Park Ave. West in Mansfield.

 

This commercially-zoned property is strategically located across from the Renaissance Theatre and the Buckeye Imagination Museum, within the vibrant Imagination District.

 

"We are seeking proposals that creatively repurpose this building, especially those that complement the historic downtown and contribute to the Imagination District," the Land Bank's call for proposals states.

 

Interested parties must submit their proposals via email to Amy Hamrick at ahamrick@richlandcountyoh.gov by November 28 at 4 p.m.

 

The Swan Cleaners operated from 1946 until its closure in 2014. The Land Bank acquired the property in January 2019 and has since invested over $530,000 in state funds to restore the building to a safe, usable condition.

 

In June 2019, the Land Bank secured a $411,000 cleanup grant from the U.S. EPA to address asbestos, contaminated soil, and air quality issues by installing a vapor mitigation system. The air quality now meets residential standards.

 

Last year, the Mannik and Smith Group from Toledo installed three 50-foot deep monitoring wells near the site, funded by the Land Bank and Ohio's Brownfield Remediation Program.

 

"It's exciting to see this project moving forward. We've been working on it for a long time," said Amy Hamrick, the Land Bank's executive director.

 

In related news, the Land Bank board approved applying for $750,000 over the next three years from the Richland County Foundation to launch the Thriving Home program. This initiative aims to stabilize Richland County's housing stock by funding home improvements that prevent disrepair.

 

Unlike the previous Lead Safe program, applicants will not need to demonstrate that improvements reduce lead exposure. Eligible repairs can focus on reducing utility costs, improving energy efficiency, enhancing health and safety, or reducing blight.

 

If funded, the Thriving Home program will offer financial assistance for eligible repairs costing up to $25,000, with a 15% match required from the property owner.

 

Additionally, the board authorized the Shelby Fire Department to use a house at 24 Oak Street in Shelby for training purposes before its demolition. The department will conduct search and rescue, ladder evolutions, and scene size-up training without burning the structure.

 

For more information on the redevelopment proposals or the Thriving Home program, contact the Richland County Land Bank at 419-774-5623 or visit their office at 50 Park Avenue East, Mansfield, Ohio 44902.