MANSFIELD, Ohio — Mechanics Bank in downtown Mansfield invited community members to enjoy their lunches in the bank’s newly renovated courtyard on Friday.
Mechanics began opening their courtyard to the community for lunch last summer, when the building was undergoing renovations and additions. The courtyard includes a brick patio, tables and chairs, ornamental trees strung with lights and a water fall to reduce street noise.
“It’s our gift to the community,” said Director of Marketing Kristi Lord. “We want to open up our doors so people can enjoy their Friday lunch hour here.”
The bank sent invitations to downtown businesses earlier this summer. Friday’s event marked the bank’s sixth event of the summer. “We want you to enjoy our new space and give you the opportunity to have a fun lunch break, no strings attached,” read the invitation.
As part of the event, Bob Cox, founder of local band The Caffiends, strummed his guitar as people ate lunch from nearby places like Subway, Café on Main, Uncle John’s Place, and Athens Greek Restaurant. Dave Mast had his hotdog cart outside Mechanics Bank’s doors.
“This is a great event, I’ll come back again for this,” said Sam VanCura, one man of the many who chose to spend their lunch hour in the courtyard. “Downtown is thriving.”
VanCura also said one of the main reasons he came was to support John Gurney, at a bake sale the event was hosting. Gurney, who works for Mechanics Bank, is suffering from skin cancer.
Earlier in 2015, the bank set up an account for Gurney’s medical expenses. Donations can be made at every one of their eight locations in Mansfield.
Executive Vice President Mark E. Masters said the courtyard is a another way for the bank to connect with the community.
“It’s a unique space that we want to use to give back to our customers, the community,” said Masters. “And it wasn’t designed just for our employees, we want others to enjoy it.”
President Debra Schenk added, “We wouldn’t have done this if we thought we were going away any time soon, we’re really thinking longterm here. We believe in this community’s future.”
Mechanics recently started construction on a drive-thru portion for their downtown location on Main Street. The vacant, blighted building next to Uncle John’s Place is currently being renovated. Masters said construction is expected to be completed before winter of 2015.
The next Time for Lunch event in Mechanics Bank‘s courtyard will be Friday, Oct. 16. It will be the last event of the season.
