Bainbridge Town Hall in Structural Failure
Following a walk-through Feb. 24, Drew Thompson, of DS Architecture, told Bainbridge Township officials the front room of the town hall was dangerous and should be closed immediately.
Following a walk-through Feb. 24, Drew Thompson, of DS Architecture, told Bainbridge Township officials the front room of the town hall was dangerous and should be closed immediately.
“We observed what appears to be a significant escalation in structural damage to the Bainbridge Town Hall gym. Based on our professional assessment, there is a substantial risk of catastrophic structural failure, posing a serious threat to the health, safety, and welfare of all occupants,” Thompson said in a letter to officials. “Given these concerns, we strongly recommend that the entire town hall building and surrounding area be temporarily vacated as a precautionary measure.”
Bainbridge Township Trustee Kristina O’Brien said the Geauga County Building Department did a second walk-through with DS Architects to confirm the state of the building.
“The building kind of decided on its own that it’s not going to be saved,” said Bainbridge Township Service Director Jim Stanek.
The structural failure underscores the need for the upcoming town hall renovation project, which trustees have been discussing since 2020.
Stanek said he thinks construction on the front room will start in mid-May and hopes it will be completed by October.
The renovations would include the demolition of the room cap and the basement, O’Brien said, adding bids are open from Feb. 28 to March 28.
As a result of the building closure, officials have relocated departments and meeting spots. The Bainbridge Township Zoning Department will relocate to the Burns-Lindow Building at 8465 Bainbridge Road. Bainbridge’s food pantry, Food for Friends, has moved to the Lakeside building at 8558 Crackel Road. The township fiscal office will be housed in the fire department’s meeting room at 17822 Chillicothe Road.
Trustees, zoning commission and BZA meetings will be held in Centerville Mills Dining Hall at 8558 Crackel Road.
