A Plain City investor who has plans to renovate several Uptown buildings is preparing to spend $2 million revitalizing another.
Rayce Robinson, with FMC Investments, LLC, wrote in a tax abatement application that he plans to restore the property known as the McCune Building, though the current uses will not change.
“The McCune building has a rich history that our team would like to restore and bring back to the forefront of the building, highlighting its unique architectural characteristics,” Robinson wrote in his application.
He added that the existing storefronts, apartments and commercial space will be restored to “resemble its original state, which dates back to 1865.”
Council unanimously authorized the Community Reinvestment Area (CRA) abatement application for 114 W. Main St. to be sent to the Jonathan Alder Board of Education. The school board will review the application and vote on the matter before it again comes before council for a final vote.
CRA abatements apply specifically to the property taxes of the assessed valuation of the redeveloped structure that will be constructed under the project. Robinson applied for a 100% exemption for 12 years.
He said a tax incentive is necessary to allow investors to restore historic buildings appropriately.
“To allow the ability to invest necessary capital into reviving the property, tenant it and create jobs and ‘downtown vibrancy,’ tax relief is necessary,” Robinson included in his application.
The CRA application indicates FMC Investments, which also includes Chris Miller and Chris Kerr, intends to spend $400,000 for the acquisition of the building, $1.5 million on improvements to the existing building and $100,000 for furniture and fixtures.
Robinson said the structure will be “completely overhauled,” including HVAC, electrical, plumbing, light fixtures and bathrooms.
Local subcontractors will be given the right of last refusal for work affiliated with the project, Robinson wrote in his application.
He noted that the first floor will remain a storefront, while the second floor will “tentatively remain as residential use.” He said the third floor will also continue to be used as a single commercial space, as his company is currently in discussions with a planned tenant.
Robinson estimated that the project will create 10-15 new jobs for each tenant, though “the new tenants will be hiring their own required employee pools.”
Robinson is also among applicants who intend to bring a shared coworking space to the former Plain City municipal buildings located at 213 S. Chillicothe St. and Ohio-based brewery and restaurant Moeller Brew Barn to the clock tower building at 101 S. Chillicothe St.
Village council approved tax abatements for both of those projects.
In other business:
– In a 5-1 vote, council approved a resolution directing the village administrator to enter into an agreement with Rockmill Financial Consulting.
Council member Frank Reed dissented, adding that he feels hiring a financial consultant equates to “micromanaging the administration.”
Finance Director Renee Sonnett initially recommended contracting with David J. Conley, president of Rockmill, in April. She said he previously assisted the village with their income tax levy and utility rate increase.
On Monday, Council member Kerri Ferguson disagreed with Reed and emphasized Sonnett’s earlier endorsement of Conley. Council member Jim Eudaily echoed her points.
Rockmill’s services are charged at an annual rate of $30,000.
– Mayor Jody Carney issued two proclamations, one recognizing Public Works Appreciation Week and one honoring National Police Week.
She said the Plain City Public Works Department and the Plain City Police Department are comprised of individuals dedicated to the betterment of the community, and thanked them for their service.