SHELBY — The scenery along Shelby’s southern entrance via Ohio 39 has changed drastically within the past few years.
More change is in progress.
Perhaps the most noticeable is taking place at 180 Mansfield Ave., most recently the home of a Relax Inn and Diner 39. Near the start of October, Mechanics Bank announced its acquisition of the property for a planned banking office relocation to continue serving Shelby and surrounding communities.
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The new office will replace Mechanics’ current location at 140 Mansfield Ave., which was adjacent to Cornell’s IGA prior to the grocer’s closure. The current Mechanics Bank office in Shelby will continue serving customers until the new office is open for business, according to the October release.
“We are thankful for the many loyal Mechanics customers who call Shelby home, and we are excited to continue serving the community at a new location,” Mark Masters, president and CEO of Mechanics Bank, said in October.
Buckeye Superstore building new facility
Less than a mile south of the future Mechanics Bank location, Buckeye Superstore is well on its way to constructing a brand new facility at 278 Mansfield Ave. The dealership — still open during construction — offers vehicles from Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep, Ram and Fiat, among others.
Buckeye announced and began the project around June 2025 — aiming for a completion date sometime between late spring and early summer of this year. A grand opening and ribbon cutting ceremony is expected at a future date in September, according to Buckeye Superstore officials.
Below is a video, posted by the dealership on its Facebook page, showing the project’s progress as of December 2025.
Below are photos taken Wednesday morning of the ongoing construction at Buckeye Superstore in Shelby. Credit: Hayden Gray
Mickey’s gas station and Dunkin’ Donuts
Not to be forgotten, the “ultimate Mickey’s + Dunkin’ experience” opened along Ohio 39 back in May 2025.
The jurassic-themed gas station, conjoined with a Dunkin’ Donuts coffee and donut franchise, is unlike most around Richland County.
Besides fueling their vehicle, customers can sample a wide variety of food options, including Mickey’s Chicken & Deli, snack aisles, numerous cooler selections and a full-service Dunkin’ Donuts.
Along with the location’s jurassic theme, Mickey’s Dino-World Adventure — a one-of-a-kind immersive experience — was installed inside the store following its ribbon cutting.
Work at the site kicked off in April 2024 with the demolition of the former Skarl Motors building. More than two years in the making, construction efforts paid off in May.
“One year ago, it was almost impossible to envision the colossal scope of this project. As the site began to take shape, we realized this was truly going to be a one-of-a-kind location in north central Ohio,” Shelby Mayor Steve Schag said in May.
