MANSFIELD — The Downtown Forward project in Mansfield got a $5 million boost on Wednesday.
The Ohio Department of Development announced the project, aimed at creating 102 residential living units in 14 historic downtown buildings, will receive the requested funds in the form of a Ohio Historic Preservation Tax Credit.
The project was announced in late February as a partnership between the Richland County Foundation and Windsor Development, an Ohio-based firm specializing in historic redevelopment and community-centered downtown revitalization.
This is one of the most significant moments for downtown Mansfield in generations.
Allie Watson, president and CEO of the Richland County Foundation
It will use buildings around the Brickyard downtown that Mansfield residents John and Mimi Fernyak are donating through Engwiller Properties to the Richland County Foundation. The project covers about 180,000 square-feet of building space.
It’s one of the single largest and most public gifts in the history of the 81-year-old philanthropic organization.
The phased project will restore historic buildings, introduce new housing and activate commercial spaces in the heart of the city. The historic tax credits are awarded to maintain the integrity of the historical structures of the buildings.
“This is one of the most significant moments for downtown Mansfield in generations,” said Allie Watson, president and CEO of the Richland County Foundation.
“The Fernyak family’s extraordinary gift ensures these historic buildings remain community assets while creating new opportunities for residents, businesses and investment.
“Downtown Forward represents long-term commitment, thoughtful growth and belief in Mansfield’s future.”
John Fernyak said his family “has believed in downtown Mansfield for many years.”
“We felt strongly that the next chapter for these buildings should be guided by an organization focused on the long-term good of the community,” he said. “The Richland County Foundation is uniquely positioned to ensure these properties continue serving Mansfield for generations.
“We’re excited to see new life, new residents and renewed energy in the heart of downtown.”
Downtown Forward will restore historic buildings, activate underutilized upper floors and bring new residents to the city center, supporting existing businesses and increasing daily activity and foot traffic, essential components of long-term economic vibrancy, Watson said.
Mansfield Mayor Jodie Perry called the project a milestone for Mansfield’s future.
“This investment represents confidence in our city and our downtown,” Perry said Wednesday.
“Bringing more residents downtown strengthens small businesses, increases vibrancy and builds on the progress already underway,” the mayor said. “Downtown Forward is exactly the kind of partnership that moves Mansfield forward.”
Phase One of Downtown Forward to create 102 new apartments
Phase One of the Downtown Forward project will create approximately 102 new apartments in a mix of studio, one-bedroom and two-bedroom units. The development is expected to bring approximately 150 new residents to downtown Mansfield, significantly increasing daily activity and foot traffic, Watson said.
The redevelopment will also introduce approximately 50,000 square-feet of commercial space, supporting additional retail, restaurant and small business opportunities in the downtown core, she said.
The multi-million-dollar investment includes architectural restoration, infrastructure improvements, modern building systems and historic preservation efforts designed to maintain the character of downtown Mansfield while making the buildings viable for long-term use.
Construction is expected to begin in the third quarter of 2026, with completion targeted for late 2027.
The project is expected to generate approximately 160 construction jobs during redevelopment and 12 to 14 permanent, full-time operational jobs once the development is stabilized.
“Projects like this only succeed when the community leads the way,” said Alex Dorsey, founder and CEO of Windsor Development.
“We have heard Mansfield loud and clear. Our focus is to preserve the character of these historic buildings, create quality housing, support local businesses and bring more people downtown every day.
“We believe this investment will have a lasting impact on Mansfield, helping create a vibrant, walkable downtown that reflects the community’s vision,” Dorsey said.
His company specializes in adaptive reuse and revitalization projects, transforming historic or underutilized buildings into modern residential apartments, mixed-use and commercial spaces.
Mansfield City Council decision helped support effort
Mansfield City Council in March unanimously approved legislation providing a 75-percent tax abatement for 12 years on those improvements. The measure covers a community reinvestment area for the construction project.
That move demonstrated community support of the redevelopment plan and strengthened the case for approval of historic preservation tax credits.
These and other state and federal tax credits will aid in redevelopment of the donated properties, organizers stated.
Watson said officials hope to learn in the next couple of weeks if the project has been approved for $2.6 million in state tax credits from ODOD via the transformational mixed-use development program for “costs incurred during the construction of a project that will be a catalyst for future development in its area.”
Downtown Forward designed as phased redevelopment effort
Downtown Forward is designed as a phased redevelopment effort. Phase 1 represents the first step in a broader long-term opportunity.
The Fernyak family owns approximately 50 properties downtown, creating the potential for continued investment and additional housing and commercial redevelopment over time, Watson said.
The donation allows the Richland County Foundation to guide the long-term future of key downtown properties. Meanwhile, it will be working with development partners to ensure thoughtful redevelopment that benefits the entire community.
“This is about more than buildings,” Watson said. “It’s about creating a downtown where people live, gather and do business.
“This is exactly what community foundations are built to do: turn meaningful gifts into lasting community benefit. We’re extremely fortunate to have strong partners beside us, years of community planning behind us, and an extraordinary donor gift that makes advancing our mission possible,” Watson said.
Additional phases, renderings and project details will be released as planning progresses, she said.
Watson said Windsor Development will move quickly on the project due to its vertical integration, though local contractors will also be involved.
“They start with everything at once. They will do all the HVAC at one time, the drywall at one time. They will move much faster than if we did it ourselves,” Watson said.
Local tax credit award part of $86 million awarded around Ohio
The tax credit announced was part of more than $86 million in tax credits to support the preservation and revitalization of dozens of historic buildings across the state, announced by Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine and ODOD Director Lydia Mihalik.
As part of the Ohio Historic Preservation Tax Credit program, 37 projects will be awarded to preserve 51 buildings. The projects are expected to leverage approximately $753 million in private investments.
“These buildings honor the legacy of our communities and reflect the character that makes our state unique,” DeWine said. “This program supports Ohio’s future by creating jobs, attracting new businesses, and revitalizing the areas that need it most.”
Mihalik said, “Historic preservation is a powerful economic development tool that helps communities unlock the potential of underutilized properties and attract future private investment.
“These tax credits are creating new opportunities for housing, small businesses and local destinations — bringing new jobs, energizing downtowns, and preserving each community’s unique character,” Mihalik said.
