Hartville Hardware Inc. hopes to break ground in 2024 for an 80,000-square-foot store on more than 20 acres west of Middlefield Village, village Mayor Ben Garlich told village council Dec. 14.
Hartville Hardware Inc. hopes to break ground in 2024 for an 80,000-square-foot store on more than 20 acres west of Middlefield Village, village Mayor Ben Garlich told village council Dec. 14.
But, several steps have to be taken before the hardware company shows up with golden shovels in Geauga County.
Middlefield Township Trustees approved the annexation by the village of the parcel on the west side of Middlefield Village on Dec. 11, Garlich said.
If the Geauga County Commissioners approve the annexation, the project may begin in 2024 and the store could open as early as 2025, he said.
In a phone call Dec. 18, Garlich said Hartville established a presence in the village when it bought the Centerra Lumber and Supply Center on East High Street in March 2020.
In September 2022, Gary Sommers, CEO of HRM Enterprises Inc., parent company of Hartville, presented to the village planning commission the company’s vision. The company proposed to build if access to Kinsman Road and Tare Creek Parkway could be arranged.
Village council approved access to Tare Creek Parkway just south of the Ohio Department of Transportation property for Hartville and for Charles White, who owns about 25 undeveloped acres north of the property he sold to be developed.
A long, east-west multiple-lane driveway connects both properties to Tare Creek Parkway.
Tapping into village water and sewer requires annexation of the parcel into the village.
If the project progresses as discussed, the village proposes a 10-year tax abatement of 75% on improvements to the parcel, which will become a Community Reinvestment Area — areas of land in which property owners can receive tax incentives for investing in real property improvements, according to the Ohio Department of Development.
According to the Geauga County Auditor’s map, Sherpa Development LLC, a partner of Hartville, purchased the property in December 2022. No sales price is listed, but market value of the parcel is listed as $313,400.
The plans for the Hartville Hardware store show about 150,000 square feet under roof, including the store and out buildings for storing lumber, etc., Garlich said, adding he understands the entire project will cost about $15 million and the facility will need about 60 employees.
“If their business plan goes as planned, that’s a lot of new employees and that’s good for Middlefield Village,” he said.
The store will be similar in design and scope to the company’s flagship structure in Hartville, which markets an extensive selection of tools and equipment.
