In October of 2023, the Clinton County Port Authority (CCPA) acquired the former Masonic Lodge as a result of the Wilmington DRIVE program. The DRIVE program intends to revitalize Wilmington’s historic downtown to encourage the economic and social development of the city. The DRIVE program, managed by the CCPA, received funds from the City of Wilmington, the Clinton County Board of Commissioners, and the Community Improvement Corporation of Wilmington.
The inspiration to create the program came after “terrifying wake-up call[s]” in New Vienna and Blanchester, where both towns lost historic buildings less than two years apart according to Ruth Brindle, Workforce and Data Specialist at the CCPA. “Think about the atmosphere of your downtown and how much losing those historic structures changes the whole vibe… if you think about the places that people love to go and visit and travel to they are places that have a feel”, said Ruth. She emphasized that the city and county could either invest tax dollars in the stabilization of the historic buildings or pay for the cleanup if they fall apart.
The Masonic Lodge was constructed in 1911 and dedicated in 1913. According to Ruth, the lodge was designed to serve as a mixed-use building, featuring the Masonic Temple and commercial space, intended to provide income for the Masonic society’s use. The first floor featured retail and commercial space, once hosting Books ‘N’ More and Jen’s Deli. The second floor contained the Masonic Hall and individual office suites for rent.
She continued on to explain that the Masonic Lodge is currently the focus of the DRIVE program because of the long timeline of the project. According to Ruth, the CCPA hopes that when the Masonic Lodge stabilization is completed, the funds from the building’s sale will replenish the DRIVE funds for further revitalization.
Ruth addressed criticism that the DRIVE program should assist small businesses rather than large projects. She acknowledged that there are preexisting programs and grants to help small businesses. However, Ruth stated, “...what doesn’t exist is a big enough pot of money to buy a physical piece of property to keep it in productive use in a kind of historic downtown setting.”
Blue Sky Construction Management began its involvement with the project through dialogue with the CCPA. They began with a contract that required ten walk-through visits a month and have now progressed to only need one visit a month. According to Gabe Drake, President of Blue Sky Construction Management, the project is expected to take three years “on the short side.”
During the first few months of the project, they focused on “deferred maintenance”, structural stability, and the security of the building by patching floor holes, securing windows, and patching entry points for cats and rodents. They updated the stair lift to remain current with Americans with Disabilities Act certifications. Blue Sky also worked on the boiler room, roof and brick structure, electric systems, and plumbing. They stabilized the structurally unsafe 1900s sidewalk and filled in underground space to meet current standards. “You want to honor the past while enabling a great future,” stated Gabe, about the project, emphasizing the goal to restore the building to its best function while minimizing the cost.
The CCPA also received a grant from JobsOhio to fund a study to analyze if Clinton County is a good location for a “rural Incubation Hub.” The study began in January and will help determine potential uses for the Masonic Lodge. Wilmington College has partnered with the CCPA to build a focus group. Upon its completion, a favorable result would likely draw developers to Wilmington to further restore the building.
Although there are many ideas for the future use of the building, there are currently no definitive plans. The two did mention that the building is for sale at any point and the DRIVE would entertain offers.
Listen to the full story of the Masonic Lodge stabilization project on episode 65 of The Real Change Podcast. Learn more about the CCPA at chooseclintoncountyoh.org.