SHELBY — Jake Penwell is a busy man.
A father of two, he is the owner and funeral director of Penwell Funeral Home, president of the Shelby Community Improvement Corporation and chair of the Richland Community Development Group.
However, Penwell and his wife, Lauren Penwell, have decided it’s time to launch yet another project together.
The husband-and-wife duo recently purchased the property at 170 W. Main St., right next to Penwell Funeral Home.
The Penwells plan to bring “new life to a piece of Shelby’s history with the creation of The Hatchery, a new event and lodging destination coming soon to the community,” according to a press release issued Thursday afternoon.
The Hatchery is both a personal investment in their hometown and a tribute to its rich heritage. The project has been “thoughtfully crafted for connection,” the release said.
The Hatchery ‘designed with purpose’
The Hatchery will feature two main components:
● An event space housed within the historic Shelby Hatchery, a community landmark that played a key role in the 1930s and operated for many years. The new event space will be able to host gatherings of up to 150 guests.
● A beautifully restored seven-bedroom home, originally built in 1897 by David Cockley, then-president of Ohio Steel Tube- now known as Shelby Tuby. The home will sleep up to 14 guests and provide comfortable accommodations for event guests or weekend visitors.
“As a lifelong Shelby resident, we’re proud to invest in the future of our community,” said Jake Penwell.
“We believe in the future Shelby and we’re excited to help create a space where people can come together and celebrate life’s moments. The future is bright.”
Whether hosting a wedding, corporate retreat, family celebration, or a relaxing stay, The Hatchery will offer a setting that blends heritage, hospitality and thoughtful design.
“The Hatchery is designed with purpose – to be warm, welcoming and deeply personal,” said Lauren Penwell.
“We want guests to feel at home the moment they walk through the doors, whether they’re hosting an event or enjoying a peaceful weekend away.”
The Hatchery is expected to open in early 2026, with additional details and booking information to be shared soon.
For updates and more information, follow @TheHatcheryOnMain on Facebook and Instagram.