Flowing water could mark resurgence of Historic District
Construction on the long-awaited water tower has yet to start, but the Historic District in the center of Richfield Village should have municipal water sometime this year, assuming the existing pipeline on Route 303 is extended, as planned.
Once the center of commerce in Richfield, business activity in the “downtown” area has slowed to a trickle and many properties have fallen into decay. Now, with water soon to flow to businesses and homes, some companies are more willing to take a chance operating in a quaint district of century buildings, near the crossroads of two state highways.
The water lines built to service the district will extend from the Town Hall on Route 303 to the Eastwood Preserve and on Route 176 between Richfield Woods Park to the north and past the former medical office on Grant Street. The water will flow at a relatively low pressure until the water tower off Brecksville Road in the industrial district is built.
The most notable business uptick has been the purchase and a couple-million-dollar rehab of the Taverne of Richfield, now Olesia’s Taverne of Richfield, which was preparing to open on the day social distancing was ordered in Ohio.
On three parcels to the north on Broadview Road, Town Square Realty has submitted plans to improve the paved parking area for the buildings on the property. The Town Trust provided a grant in support of those plans.
Continuing north, Ohio Hardwood Furniture has opened a retail store, joining only Richfield Auto Parts in that category. Hardwood Furniture’s owner purchased the former veterinary clinic and century home that was occupied by Dr. Charles Parshall.
The house and former Treasure Loft building at the entrance to Richfield Woods has been on the market. The For Sale sign is down and a dumpster outside indicates that work is ongoing.
On the east side of Broadview Road, Logix Facility Supply recently moved into another century building which was rehabbed about 10 years ago with support from the Richfield Town Trust. The owners of the sales and marketing firm said they liked the character of the Historic District.
Receiving funds from the Town Trust in prior years was the Sager Company, located in the landmark brick building on the corner of routes 303 and 176. The owner has proposed creating a parking area between that building and the building to the west, occupied by Dancing Paws Animal Wellness Center, to alleviate parking and access.
The village purchased the former medical building and surrounding land on Grant Street to improve access to the library. That building will have access to city water, and the village may sell off the building.
Pull back that final curtain. The historic district seems to be on the verge of a revival.
Feature image photo caption: A ribbon was cut to finally open Olesia’s Taverne of Richfield. Pictured with Olesia Polychock Butano on far left were people she credited with being huge supporters: (l-r) Joe Gallo of Executive Caterers, Joe Butano, Olesia’s husband and business partner, LaurenGallo, and Darlene and James Justice of Architectural Justice. Butano is holding a state proclamation delivered by Ohio Rep. Bill Roemer.
