State grants support demolition projects in Van Wert, Rockford and Mendon

Several unsafe and vacant buildings in west-central Ohio are set for demolition through the latest round of Ohio’s Building Demolition and Site Revitalization Program.

The Van Wert County Land Reutilization Corporation has received a $230,000 grant to demolish the former Century Bar building at 137 E. Central Avenue in downtown Van Wert. The building has been vacant for an extended period and is described as dilapidated.

A neighboring building at 139 E. Central Avenue is also planned for demolition through a separate $279,520 grant announced in May. That project includes the removal of a structurally failing and asbestos-contaminated building, with the property expected to be reused for parking and greenspace.

Starting dates for the two downtown demolition projects have not been announced.

The latest round of state funding also includes demolition projects at 212 E. First Street in Rockford and two Mendon properties located at High Street and 105 Jefferson Street. Additional projects were awarded funding in Grover Hill and Scott.

The state announced $11.9 million for projects across 73 counties. The program helps communities remove unsafe and blighted residential and commercial buildings while preparing properties for redevelopment.

Other previously announced Van Wert County projects include environmental cleanup at the former Best Auto property, asbestos remediation at the YWCA of Van Wert County, an environmental assessment of the former Delphos Water Plant and demolition and remediation work at the former Glenmore Station property.