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Orrville council approves 10-year tax abatement for redevelopment of former Heather's Studio
Summary
Orrville City Council approved a 10-year, 50% tax abatement for Flo Properties LLC to renovate the former Heather's Studio at 249 West Market into retail space, short-term rentals and three upstairs apartments; the measure passed unanimously after council suspended the three-reading rule.
Orrville — The City Council on Jan. 6 approved a tax abatement to help fund the renovation of the former Heather's Studio at 249 West Market. The resolution authorizes the director of safety and service to enter into a contract for tax abatement for Flo Properties LLC, which plans a roughly $1.2 million renovation that city staff said would be eligible for a 50% abatement over 10 years.
Safety-Service Director Wheeler described the project as a ‘‘complete renovation’’ that would convert the building into retail space at the front and lodging and apartments toward the rear and second floor. Developer representative Adam Hanzie told council the front portion is intended for retail — Orrville Cycling has expressed interest — and the plan calls for short-term, hotel‑style rentals on the ground level and three second-floor apartments.
The property lies in the city’s Central Business District Development (CBDD) zoning district, which Wheeler said does not allow permanent residents on the main floor; short-term, “Airbnb‑type” rentals would be a conditional use requiring Planning Commission review. Hanzie said handouts describing the renovation were distributed to council.
Council member Squirrell moved to suspend the three-reading requirement for Resolution 1‑25; Davies seconded and the motion passed with unanimous ayes. Squirrell then moved to adopt the resolution as read; Davies seconded and the council adopted it with all ayes.
Wheeler said parking needs in downtown are typically met with public lots and that the project would use those spaces rather than new private parking. The transcript records no formal opposition during the council discussion; the developer indicated a goal of having retail tenancy and short‑term lodging available in 2025.
The measure now authorizes city staff to finalize abatement terms and proceed under the emergency resolution adopted by council. Planning‑level approvals are required if the owner pursues short‑term rentals as a conditional use, which would involve the city’s Planning Commission.
