Shelby's 22 W. Main St. is a vacant commercial building that was most recently used by a computer repair and internet services business until March, according to city project manager and land bank board member Joe Gies. The Richland County Land Bank board voted Wednesday to acquire the property from owner Ray Mellick, but the acquisition and approved work depend on an Ohio Department of Development demolition grant.
The land bank is seeking money through ODOD's Building Demolition and Site Revitalization program, with applications due Friday. Executive Director Amy Hamrick said the agency hopes to learn by the end of the year whether it received an award. The total estimated project cost is $370,252.27. Three contractors would handle the job: R&D Excavating LLC of Crestline for $186,425; Kelstin Inc. of Shelby for $170,000; and American Homestead Exteriors LLC of Mansfield for $7,759.19. The board waived competitive bidding, and attorney John Studenmund said Ohio law permits that for specialized services.
The building borders Milk & Honey Coffee Co. and shares a roof and south wall. Because of narrow gaps and shared construction, crews would need to shore up and later rebuild part of the wall, weatherproof the coffee shop's east wall, and stabilize the roof. Board Vice Chair Jeff Parton said the secondary seating area may be temporarily closed, while the kitchen, ordering counter, and most cafe seating should remain open.
Shelby Fire Chief Sam Sauder wrote in a Sept. 29 letter that floor holes, wall bowing, and separation from the adjoining structure create serious safety hazards. He said interior firefighting there would pose an unacceptable risk. If the grant comes through, work must finish by May 31, though weather could affect timing; Hamrick said an emergency could change plans. Mellick has agreed to donate up to $110,000 for the required 30 percent local match if the land bank takes the property.