The Carnegie Library in Bellefontaine was recently purchased by Richwood Bank. Officials from the bank said renovations will attempt to restore as much of the historic building as possible, while converting a portion into the new bank and another area into community meeting spaces. (Photo submitted)
The Carnegie Library in Bellefontaine will soon become a new Richwood Bank location.
The bank’s Chief Experience Officer, Heather Wirtz, said a purchase agreement with the Logan County Commissioners was signed March 2.
Following a public bidding process, Wirtz said Richwood Bank’s $570,000 bid was accepted in February.
A statement from Richwood Bank said the library was temporarily housing Logan County agencies during the courthouse remodel. The building was vacated more than a year ago and posted for public bid earlier this year.
Wirtz said the project will recreate two separate parts of the building. The statement indicated the two portions of the project will “ensure functionality… while preserving a landmark Bellefontaine can be proud of.”
Wirtz said the first half of the building constituted the original library. Later on, she said an extension was added – the second, brick part of the building.
The extension is what will become the bank portion of the building, Wirtz explained. Most recently, she said this area was occupied by cubicles and used for county services.
Wirtz said this half of the building will be “totally remodeled” to create a bank similar to the Marysville location, including a Richwood Coffee.
“We’re going to upgrade everything to give it the feel that makes Richwood Bank everything that it is,” she said.
Wirtz said the bank has been working with the city to create additional parking and access to enable the current building to fit the needs of the business.
“The city has been gracious to work with us on additional parking and drive through access around the building to ensure functionality of today’s business owners while preserving a landmark Bellefontaine can be proud of,” President and CEO of Richwood Bank Chad Hoffman wrote in the statement.
To preserve the building, Wirtz said the original library portion will see minimal changes.
She said it will be upgraded with fresh paint and similar aesthetic changes to convert the area into community meeting spaces.
“Our goal is to honor the historic feel, but give it that fresh vibe,” she said.
Wirtz said there is no definitive timeline for completion of the project, as there are specific steps banks must take when posting bids for work.
“If we were able to be open in a year, that would be wonderful but we can’t say that definitively because some things are out of our control,” she explained.
Once open, Hoffman said the new location will serve to meet the needs of customers in the area.
“The momentum of growth happening in Logan County has been contagious and we are so appreciative to have this opportunity to expand small business capabilities,” he included in the statement. “Our goal is to continue making a memorable impact in the lives of those we serve.”