ASHLAND — Tuesday’s mugginess in Ashland — though uncomfortable — served as a powerful selling point for the Ashland County Agricultural Society’s need for a new building.
The fairgrounds hosted the community inside an un-airconditioned Mozelle Hall on Tuesday to kick off its $6 million financial campaign to build a 35,000 square-foot Civic Center.
Plans call for the demolition of Mozelle Hall, a block building that has stood since 1955. The long structure that used to serve as a roller rink is tough — and costly — to maintain, officials have said.
‘We very much could use this’
The fair’s primary exhibition space is frequently overlooked for other rental opportunities, said Natalie Wesner-Goschinski, the project’s campaign chair.
A new, modern building could bring up to $75,000 in revenue each year to the Ashland County Agricultural Society, the nonprofit that operates and maintains the fairgrounds.
As Wesner-Goschinski and others spoke, sweat beads formed on the foreheads of the 50-or-so people gathered.
Temperatures outside rose to 90 in high humidity following a thunderstorm. The fans keeping people cool were drowning out the speakers’ voices.
So Barry Litten, the fairground’s co-manager and maintenance superintendent, turned them off.
“We very much could use this (new) building,” said Ashland Mayor Matt Miller.
The mayor highlighted the city’s growth as a reason to go through with the project.
The fairgrounds has said the new space would accommodate all sorts of events, including weddings, trade shows, ag-specific trainings and events, farmers markets and more.
Miller pointed to Ashland University’s 20,000 square-feet of space at its John C. Myers Convocation Center.
AU boasts the facility as the “largest of its kind between Cleveland and Columbus” and reportedly holds up to 2,000 people for all sorts of events.
“But the convo center serves a specific purpose,” Miller said.
Ashland County commissioner Denny Bittle lauded the project as one that launches the county into the future.
“When we build buildings, we always look at ‘can this building last us another 50 years?’ That’s what I’m looking at,” he said.
Bittle also noted the building’s potential to stimulate the local economy.
Cathy Rice, the fair’s secretary, said the new building could cater to everyone — with enough space to hold 800 people — but would be geared toward businesses and foundations with an agricultural bent.
The building would have one 19,340 square-foot exhibit room with the ability to split into two separate rooms. Each room would be able to accommodate 400 people.
It will also have several multi-purpose rooms, along with a lobby featuring a fireplace, an entrance with a covered drive-through canopy, a patio and a commercial kitchen.
How much will it cost?
Fair officials estimate the facility to cost between $6 million and $7.5 million. The project already received a $1.1 million boost from the state through the One-Time Strategic Community Investment Fund.
“Today marks the hard start to the campaign,” said Marty Wesner, president of the fair board.
The board aims to raise $6 million toward the project. Officials encouraged all county residents to pitch in.
“This is a big campaign,” Miller said. “It has a large price tag. That’s why we have to involve the entire county.”
The mayor said even $50 would be considered invaluable.
“Even if you can’t do the $10,000 check for naming rights, those small donations will all help.”
Officials have said the goal is to complete demolition of Mozelle Hall, the Hobby Building and its restroom and shower house after next year’s fair week.
Expected timeline
Construction of the new building is expected by 2026, which would coincide with the fair’s 175th anniversary and the nation’s 250th birthday.
Wesner-Goschinski said she has completed marathons and triathlons.
“This is like that,” she said of the project. “We’ll get to the finish line.”