LIMA — Driving around Lima, one might wonder what the men in hardhats are constructing in various parts of town. From Eastown Road and Edgewood Drive to Jameson Avenue and West Elm Street, new buildings are popping up everywhere.
This isn’t news to Amy Harpster, the assistant building and zoning administrator for the city of Lima. She said the number of permits issued for commercial structures in 2016 is nearly 18 percent higher than it was through the same time last year.
“We had 305 commercial permits issued during this time last year, and this year for that same time period we’ve had 408,” Harpster said. “There’s a lot going on right now.”
These permits represent everything that is needed for a commercial building, including the physical structure, alterations, new foundations, roofing, storage, utilities and more. She said the increase in commercial permits is “encouraging.”
“We like to see an increase because that means there’s new buildings coming into town, and other buildings are being renovated and improved,” she said. “It’s good to see.”
The Lima News has identified six new commercial buildings that are being built in the city. The facilities are in various stages of construction, and range from retail outlets and activity centers to restaurants and fire stations.
Mellow Mushroom Pizza Bakers
Restaurant
Location: 2530 Eastown Road
Tentative opening date: Oct. 1.
Contractor: JJO Construction
The Atlanta-based Mellow Mushroom Pizza Bakers is opening its first location in Lima this fall. Owner Norman Moser said they are finalizing a purchase agreement with Menards, which had previously owned the property. Construction has been underway for the last few months.
Mellow Mushroom serves pizza, salads, calzones, hoagies, craft beer and more.
American Township Fire Station
Fire Department
Location: 2110 Edgewood Drive
Tentative opening date: May.
Contractor: Westerheide Construction
The original fire station, built in 1988, will soon be demolished to make way for a larger, more modern facility that officials say will help fire and EMS personnel better serve Allen County’s most populated township.
The new building will create 5,000 square feet of additional space that will allow the sleeping quarters, kitchen and fitness area to be housed in separate rooms, unlike in the current building. There will also be three vehicle bays, one for the medic, engine and ladder trucks. The new building will be constructed in the same location as the current structure.
Goodwill Easter Seals Miami Valley
Nonprofit
Location: 2350 Allentown Road
Tentative opening date: Fall.
Contractor: H.A. Dorsten Inc.
Goodwill Easter Seals Miami Valley, a nonprofit organization that provides services and support for individuals with special needs or disabilities, is constructing its west central Ohio headquarters in the former Kmart parking lot.
The 24,680-square-foot headquarters will feature a retail store and vision center. It will also contain space for various programs and services offered to the elderly, adults with disabilities and the impoverished. The building will replace the organization’s current facility on North Cable Road.
University of Northwestern Ohio
Student activities center
Location: 1365 N. Cable Road
Tentative opening date: August.
Contractor: Alexander & Bebout Inc.
A new activity center for University of Northwestern Ohio students, to be known as “Racers Station,” will feature pool tables, video game stations, small and large group seating areas, a study corner, outdoor movie screen, fire pits and more.
Racers Station will be replacing Club UNOH as the home base for student activities at UNOH. Events held there will include pool tournaments, trivia night, karaoke night, comedy showcases, video game and board game tournaments, dances, and larger events like Welcome Week gatherings.
Ruler Foods
Grocery store
Location: 515 W. Elm St.
Tentative opening date: TBD
Contractor: EH Construction
After buying a lot on West Elm Street in December 2014, Kroger has confirmed the property will become a Ruler Foods, though it couldn’t confirm a date for the opening.
Ruler Foods offers discount groceries in Kroger brands and a bag-your-own format to reduce costs. Owned by Jay-C Food Stores, Ruler Foods is a subsidiary of the Kroger Co. Ruler opened its first store in Lima at 2154 Elida Road in November 2012. The new store will be located at the former Faurot Elementary School, which was torn down in 2005.
Dollar General
Retail store
Location: 310 N. Jameson Ave.
Tentative opening date: TBD
Contractor: Snavely Group
The company has not released any details on its newest Lima location, though the physical structure has been erected. When completed, it will be the fourth Dollar General to open in Lima. Dollar General representatives could not be reached by press time.
Dollar General offers both name-brand and generic merchandise. Although it has the word “dollar” in the name, it is not a dollar store by the strict definition of that term, as most of its products are priced at more than $1. However, goods are usually sold at set price points in the range of 50 cents to $60.
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