Train store, museum's future uncertain after eviction notice

MEDINA — One of the few train shops remaining in Northeast Ohio could soon be closing its doors. Ormandy's, 10 Public Square, has been served with an eviction notice and has countersued the building's owner, Cynthia Turner, of Crossville, Tennessee. Business owner John Ormandy said he's been at the location for 31 years. He said the landlord wants to raise his rent from a modest $600 per month to $2,750 — a 350 percent increase. Ormandy, 84, said his rent has always been affordable because he paid for any repairs, maintenance and upkeep. He said he recently put in a bathroom that cost $25,000. Ormandy said the plan was to purchase the building from Turner and said he's already put $45,000 toward it. However, when Turner's children started taking over for their mother, he said his payment went up in smoke. "They want to evict me," Ormandy said. He said the "deal" was based on his word and a "cheap receipt." "They said that's not good enough," Ormandy said. "After 30 years, they want me to move out in two months." He also operated a train museum on the second floor of his building, which has been closed due to COVID-19. His attorney, John Oberholtzer, said the dispute over rent is secondary. "The major thing is he may lose the museum," he said. "I'm not an authority on this, but I thought the train museum contributed to Medina's allure as a destination site. We're going to lose that. "In part, I'm looking for some salvation to keep the museum on the square." Oberholtzer said the second issue is a rumor that a developer wants to purchase the building from the Turner family. The Medina attorney would like to know if the developer does end up owning the building, is he going to keep the museum up and running. "How do we save the museum for Medina?" Oberholtzer asked. He said the lawsuit has been transferred from Medina Municipal Court to Medina Commons Pleas Court, and he's not yet sure when it will proceed. He said he's talking "amicably" with Turner's lawyer, Michael Laribee. Calls and emails to Laribee were not returned Thursday. "We're at a loggerheads," Oberholtzer said. Ormandy said a lot of people are going to be upset if he's forced to move. "I'm the only one that does repairs," he said. "If we have to move all of this, it will take a year." Ormandy said he owns a building at 140 E. Herrick Ave. in Wellington that might serve as the new train store and museum. He said he's also dealing with his wife, Zelma, who is recovering from a broken leg and COVID-19. "It's one thing after another," Ormandy said. Contact reporter Bob Finnan at (330) 721-4049 or rfinnan@medina-gazette.com.