“It obviously has fallen into disrepair and can obviously be classified as blight,” said Shannon Meadows, the city’s community development director.
The city will use Ohio Moving Forward grant funds to demolish both structures in order to create green space between South and the residential developments.
Teresa Mills, the president of the Selma Road Neighborhood Action Program, said residents will be happy to see the building come down.
“That’d be wonderful,” Mills said.
Neighborhood Housing Partnership has two developments near the former bar, including the City View Apartments on Drexel Avenue and Clifton Court, which the city purchased the remaining 14 lots last week for $150,000.
The city also spent $90,000 on the former Mead’s Tire, located near the restaurant on Selma Road, which later became green space with landscaping.
“Everybody really liked that because it was an eyesore,” Mills said.
Meadows called the acquisition of the Stein Cafe an important one for the neighborhood.
“We’re really trying to enhance that area both for residential development and the development of the future STEM school,” Meadows said.
Meadows said the property will initially be green space maintained by the city but doesn’t know what long-term future holds for the lot.
City staff toured the property on Tuesday and said it has been completely gutted inside.
“There’s no bar, no cool stuff, nothing,” Meadows said. “There’s nothing left.”
According to Clark County Auditor’s records, the buildings were constructed in 1901. The property, which was purchased from the former owner’s estate, was appraised at $58,000.
Mills said residents are happy to see the recent improvements and developments in the area. They’re also excited about the reuse of South High.
“From the outside, it’s a good structure and it’s loved by many people,” Mills said.
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