BRUNSWICK - There was a New Year's Eve surprise in store for travelers along Center Road at Old Mill Village at the end of the year. The former Old Phoenix/First Merit Bank Branch that had stood on the corner for decades was being torn down. And by Jan. 2, all that was left was the work to put debris into the trash containers.
In 2012, a Cleveland.com report noted that First Merit was closing many of its branches, including Old Mill. It stood empty since then.
A sign on the property notes that there is a proposed retail center proposed, but that is still making its way through the City Planning Commission.
According to Cliff Calaway, acting chief building official and Planning & Zoning Coordinator Pamela A. Plavecski, the building was taken because there were water and mold issues, causing health concerns.
"They knew the building couldn't be used for anything else and would eventually have to come down, so they decided to demolish it now," Calaway said.
If you purchase a product or register for an account through a link on our site, we may receive compensation. By using this site, you consent to our User Agreement and agree that your clicks, interactions, and personal information may be collected, recorded, and/or stored by us and social media and other third-party partners in accordance with our Privacy Policy.