Medina County Historical Society breaks ground on history center

MEDINA — The Medina County Historical Society broke ground Friday to begin construction of its new history center. The Medina County Historical Society said the McDowell-Phillips House, purchased in 2019, originally had two barns. The smaller barn was restored in 2020, but the larger barn was in poor condition, so the society decided to take it down in 2022. "We communicated our vision to the community to enhance the property and eventually build a new barnlike structure for exhibits, archive storage and small events," the historical society stated. "Once the house repairs were complete, we set out a plan to improve the driveway and parking and to eventually erect a new building." The historical society held a capital campaign to raise funds for construction, setting a $1.3 million goal to complete the new building and improve the parking lot at 40 Medina St. The organization received a $250,000 grant from the state cultural grant program, along with funding from other sources. "Some people say, 'Why does this cost nearly $1.2 million?' There's several reasons, but the building itself will be in (Americans with Disabilities Act) compliance," Medina County Historical Society President Brian Feron said. "There will be no ramps or steps to the building, and there will be no steps inside. The restrooms will be (Americans with Disabilities Act) accessible." In addition to being Americans with Disabilities Act compliant, the design will be flexible for exhibits and seminars. The first floor is about 2,400 square feet, a partial loft area is around 400 square feet and the basement will be approximately 1,800 square feet. "This building is going to have several functions," Feron said. "It's a place for exhibits and seminars, education, an open space for community use, as well as our own purposes. The basement will have full climate-controlled document storage, and (it's) for our archives." In 2025, the historical society started the design draft and began working with Artisan Building and Design. Much of this year was spent finalizing details, and the permit approval process finished last month. The project is estimated to take around eight months, with a grand opening planned for June 2027. The total estimate for the building is $1.2 million, while lighting and landscaping will be installed at an additional cost in spring 2027. "We don't own this facility. We're simply the dozen people or so in charge of preserving and maintaining it," Feron said. "This facility belongs to the community, and I want you all to know that and appreciate it. Every one of you has a role in our history, and I'm so proud that we have a facility now that's going to really, really pull that off." Contact reporter Madisyn Woodring at 330-721-4049 or mwoodring@medina-gazette.com.