By 1812Blockhouse

After a presentation and input Tuesday from Blair McClenathan of the Richland County Historical Society and Jennifer Kime of Downtown Mansfield, Inc., the Richland County Commissioners allocated $100,000 to the Oak Hill Terrace Project, ensuring the transformation of a historic industrial site near Oak Hill Cottage into a vibrant community-focused outdoor space. Spearheaded by the Society, the initiative promises to blend historic preservation with modern utility, providing a unique venue for residents and visitors alike.


Revitalizing the North End

The Oak Hill Terrace Project is perceived as a key element of revitalization efforts in Richland County’s North End. The project repurposes a former two-story industrial building into an open-air plaza overlooking the city. The terrace will provide a safe, traffic-free area for various activities, from outdoor theater performances to casual community gatherings. By integrating seamlessly with the historic Oak Hill Cottage, the development aims to enhance the neighborhood’s cultural and social appeal.

The transformation includes partial demolition of the industrial structure, preserving its base for the tiled plaza. Support beams will be retained for lighting, sound equipment, and sunshade installations, creating a versatile space suitable for events and daily use.


Financial Milestones and Funding Secured

The $500,000 project has reached full funding thanks to contributions from multiple sources:

  • $125,000 from the Richland County Foundation
  • $125,000 from the Mill Iron Foundation
  • $125,000 from the Historical Society
  • $25,000 from anonymous donors

The Richland County Commissioners’ recent $100,000 approval completes the funding, clearing the way for construction to proceed without delays.


A Hub for Community Activities

The Oak Hill Terrace is envisioned as a dynamic space for the community. Planned uses include:

  • Outdoor theater productions
  • Fireworks viewing events
  • Fundraisers and tea parties
  • Collaborative programming with local organizations

Future phases aim to further enhance the terrace’s connectivity with Oak Hill Cottage. A section of Springmill Street will be vacated to unify the sites, while historic fencing and parking areas will be restored and developed. These improvements are designed to ensure accessibility and maintain the area’s historical integrity.


Sustainability and Long-Term Vision

The project is built on sustainable principles, with ongoing costs covered by existing endowments and revenue from event rentals. Future uses of the remaining structure are under consideration, such as archival storage or workshop space, reflecting a commitment to adaptability and resourcefulness.

The Historical Society’s phased approach to development underscores this commitment:

  1. Phase I: Partial demolition and masonry work.
  2. Phase II: Installation of an insulated roof over the concrete slab.
  3. Phase III: Creation of a level plaza using a tiled paver system.

Community Excitement and Next Steps

Construction is expected to continue through 2025, with completion anticipated in 2026. However, preliminary use of the terrace could begin earlier, with holiday-themed events already being considered. Residents have welcomed the project enthusiastically, seeing it as an opportunity to breathe new life into the area.


Oak Hill Cottage: A Historical Overview

Oak Hill Cottage, a Gothic Revival masterpiece, has been a Mansfield landmark since 1847. Built by John Robinson, superintendent of the Sandusky, Mansfield, and Newark Railroad, the house is renowned for its Carpenter Gothic ornamentation and well-preserved mid-to-late-nineteenth-century interior.

Originally named “White Oak Hill” by Robinson, the house was strategically placed near the railroad for convenience. Later, it became the home of Dr. Johannes Jones and his family, who turned it into a vibrant social hub in Mansfield from 1864 to 1965. The cottage’s historical and cultural significance was further cemented when it was featured in Louis Bromfield’s first novel, The Green Bay Tree, as “Shane’s Castle.”

Oak Hill Cottage was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1969 and has since been managed by the Richland County Historical Society. Today, it serves as a museum open to the public, offering a glimpse into Mansfield’s past with its Gothic architectural features, steep gables, and a small family chapel.

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