CoRP Highlights Preserved Buildings, Starts Historic District Sign Project
The group Community Revitalizing Paulding (CoRP) held a Progressive After-Hours the afternoon and evening of Feb. 19 to showcase three renovated buildings and to launch a fundraising campaign for signs to mark the Paulding Downtown Historic District.
More than 50 people total attended stops at Branch Christian Fellowship, Union Bank Co. and Grounded Coffee & Crumbs.
The free event began at 4:30 p.m. at the church, located in the former Ohio National Guard Armory on the east side of the square. Guests toured the building and enjoyed refreshments following a welcome by CoRP member David Burtch. He shared the seven-year process for CoRP to attain downtown historic district status on the prestigious National Register of Historic Places.
Pastor Greg Cramer then discussed how the congregation acquired the building from the Kiwanis Club in 2015 and their work and investment in remodeling the 1912 structure. They have modernized it for their needs while trying to honor the original character and details.
The next stop was Union Bank just a few steps south. Jane Nice, a member of CoRP’s Wednesday History Group that researched building histories for the historic district application, welcomed guests. She said CoRP chose the three buildings for this event because they already have made a large capital investment and serve as an example for other building owners to save and repurpose their properties.
Union Bank just celebrated its second anniversary in the three-story brick building overlooking the square. Branch Manager Abby Hornish talked about the lengthy renovation process. She pointed out they tried to preserve elements of the structure, such as exposed brick, using original oak flooring as an accent on walls and displaying vintage photos and furnishings.
The last stop was next door at Grounded Coffee, owned by Mitch and Ashley Maibach. Kim Sutton detailed how the Wednesday History Group researched the building histories and what resources they used. She asked for suggestions on how the research material might be used. She said the group hopes to plan more progressive after-hours and events in the future.
The Maibachs told those in attendance about their journey in acquiring their building, making renovations and choosing and starting their business.
The history group created a brochure for every location, containing vintage images and historical information on each structure. Additional copies will be available at the Paulding library and at the church, bank and coffee shop.
The after-hours marked the start of CoRP’s fundraising campaign for two unique signs marking the historic district. The signs will say “Welcome to Paulding Downtown Historic District” for passersby as they approach the downtown on U.S. 127 from the north and south. The two identical metal plaques will be mounted on posts. The Village of Paulding will install the signs.
The signs will cost an estimated $5,000 and can’t be ordered until the funding is secured. CoRP, a 501c3 nonprofit group, received several donations during the after-hours. The donation box will be at the Paulding library through the end of March. Donations also may be mailed to CoRP at 101 E. Perry St., Paulding OH 45879.
