052311 Woosters Public Square Historic District to expand
By Sharon Haught
May 16, 2011
300
Summary: Woosters Public Square Historic District is getting ready to expand.
As work prepares to get underway on the Merchants Block LLC development project, the members of Wooster City Council voted unanimously to expand the citys existing Public Square Historic District to include the site of the former Freedlanders Department Store.
According to supporting documentation provided to the members of City Council by the citys Economic Development Coordinator Justin Starlin, the request for the expansion of the Historic District was made by the Wooster Growth Corporation and Merchants Block LLC, the company which will shortly begin construction of a 30,000 square foot multi-use building on the site of the one of Woosters most iconic businesses.
The request for the expansion of the Historic District came before council on the recommendation of the citys Design and Review Board. It also received the prior approval of the Wooster City Planning Commission.
According to the language contained in the ordinance, in 2000 City Council adopted an ordinance creating the Public Square Landmark District in order to provide greater local regulation of properties and structures within the City of Wooster which possess historic or architectural significance.
By expanding this Public Square Landmark District the city has more control over what is built in terms of the façade of the building they put down there, Buytendyk noted adding that by taking action to include the Freedlander Property in the Historic District the design standards associated with being a part of the district would prevent a developer from constructing a building that didnt go with the rest of the downtown.
According to Starlin because of their close proximity to the existing properties already included in the Historic District and the citys Public Square the four parcels of property in the 100 block of West Liberty Street, which were the home of Freedlanders Department Store for over 100 years, were good candidates for inclusion in the Historic District.
The City of Wooster Public Square Landmark District incorporates historic, rehab and new construction design standards that both owners feel will protect the property from being redeveloped irresponsibly, Starlin noted.
In the long run I think the property owners realize that its going to benefit them if the city has control over the appearance of a building, especially in the downtown so there is some cohesion unlike in the 60s and 70s when those corrugated facades became popular, said Buytendyk adding this would prevent that from happening.
As a student of history and someone who came to Wooster in 1968 with an interest in the historic nature of Woosters downtown, Councilman Jon Ulbright gave his wholehearted support to the legislation.
Any time we can promote the historic value and essence of the downtown and have the cooperation of the property owners its a positive thing for the city noted Ulbright.
We did have a lull and a decline in the late 50s and 60s but things have really turned around. This area is a very important part of that, said Ulbright.
According to information provided to the members of City Council, Merchants Block LLC is scheduled to get underway with construction this summer.
Plans call for a 30,000 square foot, three story building with 10,000 square feet of commercial space on street level and upper story residential space comprise of 12 customizable 1700 square foot lofts featuring private entrances and garages, open-air terraces, main level kitchen and great room spaces with ten foot high ceilings and large windows facing Liberty Street and upper level bedroom suites.
