Ashland County’s fairgrounds is improving weekly this summer, and the plan is to keep that momentum going by building a $6 million Civic Center, starting during the fair's 175th anniversary year in 2025.
Commissioners approved $123,000 for grandstand repairs June 13, and on Thursday the Agricultural Society presented plans to construct a 35,000-square-foot Civic Center at the fairgrounds to be use for shows, meetings, private events, a polling places and emergency services, just to name a few.
When asked by Commissioner James Justice for a “guestimate” of the income the building could generate, the answer was an additional $75,000 a year, but "I think that is low," responded Natalie Goshinski, chair of the Civic Center Steering Committee.
“I did some really rough estimates,” Goshinski said. “And based on what we’ve turned down, it could be an additional $75,000, and I think that is low. My guess is we would triple what we bring in today.”
Creating an opportunity to grow
“That is good and I think it has a chance to bring other things to the rest of the fairgrounds,” said Commissioner Denny Bittle. “It will allow those events to get bigger.”
“We have a lot of people call and look to rent some of our facilities,” said Marty Wesner, president of the fairgrounds board of directors. “But then they look and there’s no air conditioning."
He said other events could be birthday parties, weddings, anniversaries and corporate activities.
Wesner said the new building would not take away parking nor will it take away from campsites.
“I just think it opens up so many opportunities for you,” Commissioner Mike Welch said.
With a $6 million goal, the group looks forward to an Aug. 6 kickoff campaign to get the project underway.
“Our goal is to have it in place so by the end of the fair in 2025, we can start the process,” Wesner said. “To be open by 2026, which is our 175th anniversary.”
Designed to replace inadequate buildings, increase exhibit areas, use facility all year
“This new Civic Center has been designed to replace inadequate buildings, greatly increasing the exhibition areas and allowing us to use the facility all year long," Wesner said.
“In addition to fair activities, the center will also attract home and garden shows, boat shows, trade and equipment shows, veterans activities, banquets, swap meets, training activities and more,” he said about the potential of the building.
He said several members of the committee toured other buildings in an attempt to build the best possible structure for Ashland’s needs.
Architectural plans show the building having a 19,340-square foot exhibit room, with the ability to split into a pair of 9,670-square foot spaces, with each room accommodating up to 400 people. The venue will include multi-purpose rooms, meeting area, lobby with fireplace, entrance with a covered drive through canopy and a commercial kitchen.
Mozelle Hall, built in 1955, the Hobby Building and one restroom will be torn down to make room for the Civic Center. Groundbreaking is anticipated for next year.
Wesner said they had contacted someone from the Mozelle family about the building at the fairgrounds.
“They were on board. Whatever was in Mozelle Hall we expect to be in here,” said Wesner about usage during Ashland County Fair weeks. “We are still in the stages of planning all that.”
Anyone interested in financially supporting the project can contact Rice at 419- 289-0466 or Goshinski at 567-203-2080.
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