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Fresh look planned for old rubber plant
(by Joseph Koziol Jr. - February 23, 2011)
Fresh look planned for old rubber plant
By JOSEPH KOZIOL JR.
One of the oldest buildings in Chardon is due to get a face-lift this year in a project that also would benefit area motorists.
Architect Steve Ciciretto and Chardon Custom Polymers President Marian K. DeVoe won approval Monday for plans to demolish a portion of the former Chardon Rubber Co. building at 373 Washington St. and eliminate docking areas that often require semi-trucks to block the roadway.
Chardon's planning commission gave unanimous approval to the plans that could get under way this April, according to Mr. Ciceretto.
Chardon Custom Polymers received a $1.44 million grant through the Clean Ohio Revitalization Fund, which will provide the bulk of a $2 million project for demolition, brownfield remediation and redevelopment.
Steve Yaney, the city's planning and zoning administrator, said the property has served myriad roles since it began as a macaroni factory in 1930. It later became part of Ball Rubber, then Chardon Rubber, until the factory closed in 2009.
Mr. Yaney said the project would involve the demolition of 45,000 square feet at the southern end of the property. A single-story docking area would be demolished to initially allow for green space that may someday serve as an area for expansion.
A two-story attached building would be remodeled and covered in a glass-like material. Exposed interior walls that would be left standing after the demolition would be covered in a metal siding, Mr. Yaney said.
Mr. Ciciretto said the demolition is expected to make traveling along the road easier, as the docks will be moved to the rear of the complex.
The two-story attached structure that is to be fitted with the glass covering is expected to be used for a long-term tenant, he said. He said it has yet to be determined how much of the approximately 20,000-square-foot space will be used by Chardon Custom Polymers and how much will be leased.
Mr. Ciciretto said the glass-like covering will provide the building with a "cleaner, more progressive" look. The glass will have a tint of green, he said. "It gives it a fresh look and ties in with other buildings in the area."
Commission chairman Ken Miller said the board "typically likes green." He recounted how the city fought against a red roof for the Giant Eagle supermarket and got the green it wanted.
Mr. Miller said he has long considered the area blighted and called the building "pretty sorrowful." The renovations would be a welcome change, he said. "The only way to go is up with this building."
Commission members expressed satisfaction with the plans.
Councilwoman Leslie Bednar said she finds the glass exterior to be "aesthetically pleasing."
Councilman Robert Cromwell also said he likes the look. The only drawback is a long expanse of wall that will be exposed along the south side after the demolition, he said. "If it was in a residential area, I might have an objection."
Mr. Miller said he hopes the project will serve as inspiration for other developers on the east side of Washington Street. "It would be great if it served as impetus for redevelopment of the other side of the street," he said.
Chardon Custom Polymers has created 18 jobs and plans on growing that number to 50 over the next five years, according to the company.
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