The man behind both projects, Clark County native Patrick Williams, said the Springfield building renovation is ongoing and will be a strong asset to downtown when it’s finished.
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“Springfield is going to be proud and blown away on what we are designing and what we are getting ready to roll out,” Williams said. “Our designers have immersed themselves into the history of the building. The last 90 days have been amazing.”
COhatch announced it was investing about $2 million into the historic building late last year.
Along with the co-office spaces, Williams said the building will bring more dining options to downtown Springfield. Williams said five restaurants will permanently move into the space and serve breakfast, lunch and dinner.
None of those restaurants have been announced, but Williams said COhatch plans to reveal those businesses soon.
Another new aspect coming to the building is a mezzanine built over what used to be the market. The space will have a conference room and banquet room, Williams said.
The hope now is to open towards the end of summer. Anyone interested in learning more about opportunities to lease space from COhatch can email patrick@cohatch.com. Applications are being accepted now.
COhatch also announced it is working with Fairborn to bring a “new kind of shared work, social, and family space” to replace Spark, the city’s small business incubator at 305 W. Main St.
Fairborn officials say COhatch will take over the shared kitchen and co-working spaces at Spark and is working with the Fairborn Development Corporation to bring new life to an entire block of Main Street.
“With assistance from COhatch, we are leapfrogging our development for the city, so everything will happen more quickly and at a higher intensity with greater results,” City Manager Rob Anderson said in a prepared statement.
EXTRA: Springfield’s Myers Market could be reopened as soon as next summer
Williams said the Fairborn location will provide shared office space for small businesses and socially-minded entrepreneurs, and meeting space for community members.
“This location currently offers dedicated desks, meeting rooms and coworking space with private offices available this summer,” Williams said in a prepared statement. “We also offer meeting and event spaces to the public and can accommodate off-site company meetings and the hosting of life events.” Officials said with COhatch, the city will have access to the company’s shared resources, branded and operational materials, website, digital tools and network of professionals.
Officials said agreements with current Spark members will be honored.
COhatch already has locations in the Columbus area — “The Hardware Store” and “The Library” in Worthington, “The Newsstand” in Delaware and “The Hub” at Polaris Fashion Place.
Facts and Figures
1916: Year the Myers Market first opened in Springfield
25,000: square footage of the Myers Market project
$1.75 million: Cost of the renovations to the Myers Market
The Springfield News-Sun has reported on the Myers Market numerous times including when it was purchased from the city and when the original idea of restoring the building was announced earlier this year and will continue to update on the progress of the historic building.