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Cultural vision in focus for Chardon Square
(by Joseph Koziol Jr. - July 21, 2010)
Cultural vision in focus for Chardon Square
By JOSEPH KOZIOL JR.
Chardon businessman Tom Bryant unveiled plans Monday for his vision to make the city a center for arts, history and culture.
Members of the city planning commission, which heard Mr. Bryant's plans for the new cultural center on the east side of Chardon Square, were buying into that vision.
"It's a beautiful design and a great project," commission member Andrew Blackley said. "It's a great building, and I hope it comes to fruition."
"The design is great," Councilman and commission member Robert Cromwell said.
Mr. Bryant, who made an informal presentation to the commission, said the building would combine practicality and aesthetics to make a self-sustaining center, drawing people for weddings, musical recitals and book readings. Four office rental spaces are part of the plans to bring in revenue.
He said he has spoken with the Cleveland Orchestra, which is interested in providing an eastern venue for concerts.
The 12,800-square-foot building is planned on what is now a gravel and grass parking lot owned by Geauga County, just north of Park Elementary School on East Park Street. Mr. Bryant said county officials have indicated their willingness to sell the property.
The building would be done in a Greek revival style with three levels, he said.
The first floor of the building is to house a room for Geauga County archives and could be a rotating exhibit, changing with the seasons, he said. A "beautiful ballroom" that could be rented out for weddings would be part of the first-floor offerings, he said.
There is hope that the former Chardon Historical Society can be revived with the project, Mr. Bryant said.
The second floor would have three to four offices for rental, and a lower, walk-out level would provide space for catering services, storage and mechanical needs.
Mr. Bryant said a nonprofit organization, Western Reserve Cultural Center Inc., has been formed to raise money for what is estimated to be a $2.5 million project. He said he recently ceased fund-raising activities until he is sure that officials will give the go-ahead for the project.
As an informal presentation, the planning commission could not necessarily provide approval for variances that may be needed, commission chairman Kenneth Miller said. He said the commission could look at architectural styles, colors and the suitability of the site for the project.
Members at least indicated their approval of the aesthetics with their comments.
Mr. Miller said the next step is to work out the details of the project.
Mr. Bryant said he plans to make a presentation before Geauga County Commissioners in the next month or two.
He said the rental of the ballroom would be "comparable pricing to any other facility" offering the same amenities.
Mr. Cromwell asked whether parking would be a problem, because only 28 spaces are provided on the plans to the rear of the cultural center.
Mr. Bryant said he is working out an arrangement with a bank on Chardon Square for parking and noted that there are 800 parking spaces available in the city. He said valet parking may be used to aid in the parking arrangements. "I don't see it as an issue," he said.
He said a managing director would be hired to oversee operations, and the building would be open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily.
Mr. Blackley, who also serves on Chardon Tomorrow, a public-private organization with a goal of spurring development on the square, said the project fits in nicely with that goal. He said it would be a draw to the square, bringing people to browse, shop and eat. "I see it as being a realistic and worthy project," he said.
Mr. Bryant said the design was chosen to make the building appear as a "lovely old residence" that would be attractive from all angles.
Councilwoman and commission member Leslie Bednar said Mr. Bryant should be sensitive to neighbors, noting that residences along North Hambden Street are adjacent to the rear of the property.
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