By 1812Blockhouse
A transformative new project is underway across the street from Mansfield’s historic Oak Hill Cottage, where a building at 64 Surrey Road is being reimagined as a public park with stunning city views. This exciting development aims to restore the original vistas that have been obscured for the past 75 years, reconnecting Oak Hill Cottage with the natural beauty of its surroundings.
Restoring the View: A Multi-Phase Development
The project to create a park overlooking the city is being executed in three carefully planned phases, each contributing to the rejuvenation of the site and enhancing the visitor experience at Oak Hill Cottage.
Phase I: Partial Demolition and Masonry
The first step involves the partial demolition of the existing building at 64 Surrey Road. By removing sections of the structure that block the view, the project clears the way for the new park while preserving key elements for stability and aesthetics. Masonry work will follow, ensuring that the remaining parts of the building integrate seamlessly with the new park design.
Phase II: Multi-layer Insulated Roof on the Concrete Slab
Next, a multi-layer insulated roof will be constructed over the concrete slab left after demolition. This phase ensures the site’s durability and prepares the foundation for the final stage of development. The roof will also help maintain the integrity of the area, protecting it from weathering and wear.
Phase III: A 2×2 Tile Paver System
The final phase will see the installation of a 2×2 foot tile paver system, creating a level plaza that will serve as the focal point of the new park. This paved area will offer visitors an unparalleled view of Mansfield and the valley of Touby’s Run, blending the historical significance of Oak Hill Cottage with the modern urban environment.
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.
Bridging History and Urban Renewal
The project to transform the building at 64 Surrey Road into a park is a significant step in bridging the gap between Mansfield’s rich history and its evolving urban landscape. By restoring the original views from Oak Hill Cottage, this new park will offer a unique space for public enjoyment while preserving the historical context of the area.
To see renderings and a video of the project, visit the Oak Hill Cottage website.
Source: Oak Hill Cottage website and social media; Photo: 1812Blockhouse
