WADSWORTH IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Investors envision CIS building as downtown hub

By EMILY CANNING-DEAN

BGNN staff writer

WADSWORTH  According to the vision of two local investors, the Central Intermediate School building and O.J. Work Auditorium will remain a vital part of downtown Wadsworth long after Wadsworth City Schools vacates the structure.

Wadsworth City Schools is working with the Medina County Port Authority and the One Central Commons group team of Bob Thurber and Todd Baughman to facilitate the purchase and redevelopment of the property.

According to a press release from Wadsworth City Schools, the Wadsworth Board of Education released a request for proposals for those interested in purchasing the building back in November. By Dec. 20, the board received three proposals and conducted special meetings in January to consider the proposals received.

“The board is thankful to each group that submitted a proposal,” stated a press release from Wadsworth City Schools. “The board was impressed by the One Central Common’s vision for the building and how it aligns not only with the Central Intermediate School Committee’s recommendation to the board in November of 2017 but also its potential to be an economic boom to the Wadsworth community while protecting the tax base that helps to operate the school district and city.”

Baughman and Thurber, both Wadsworth residents, describe their vision for the building as a “passion project.”

“I raised my kids here, I own property in Wadsworth and I’m a big fan of Wadsworth Schools,” Baughman said. “We bleed Wadsworth red and this is a great opportunity right in the center of downtown.”

“This is an iconic building and our goal is to create something unique for visitors and for the downtown,” Thurber said. “I think we will be working closely with the chamber of commerce and Main Street Wadsworth.”

Goals for the multi-year project include the restoration of O.J. Work Auditorium including upgraded acoustics, seating and lighting so the space can serve as a venue for concerts, theater performances, community events and educational programming. Thurber said the goal is to partner with the local schools and arts organizations to provide ongoing cultural opportunities in the auditorium.

Another goal includes the renovation of the gymnasium so it can be used as a community space focusing on accessibility for youth sports and recreation programs.

Later goals include renovations to the main building to make room for a first-floor meet and greet café, professional office spaces and community support services.

Farther in the future, Thurber and Baughman have a goal of developing three to five modern one-bedroom apartments inside the building as well as “theatre suites” to serve as short-term lodging for out-of-town visitors attending events at O.J. Work Auditorium and exploring downtown Wadsworth. 

The proposal includes a purchase price of $300,000.

Future financial structures in the proposal include the establishment of two nonprofits, one for the auditorium and another for the gymnasium as well as plans to utilize donor networks to attract private and corporate contributions for restoration and operational needs. Lease agreements for professional offices, community support spaces and apartments would also provide consistent revenue to reinvest in the property.

Baughman said they are still very much in the beginning of the acquisition stage and will be meeting with school district officials to iron out all the details. The building still currently houses the district’s fifth and sixth graders, but the construction of the new intermediate school is expected to be complete before next school year.

“Part of our discussions will include figuring out a timeline,” he said. “Currently the schools will need to finish the school year, but it could be toward the end of the calendar year before they completely exit the building. But we are happy to be flexible and work with them.”