Mantua – Several months ago, Mantua native Broc Benner was having a drink with a friend in Garrettsville, and the topic of conversation turned to the green space that Garrettsville had created in the heart of downtown, in the spot made vacant by the fire of 2014.
That conversation planted the seed for Benner to do something similar in the area on Main Street that was destroyed in a fire in 1985. Broc discussed his idea with his parents — Jeff Benner, of Benner Masonry (co-owner of the vacant property in Mantua) and Edie Benner, owner of Advanced Rehabilitation and President of the Downtown Mantua Revitalization Corporation (DMRC). With the backing of his civic-minded parents, Broc moved forward with plans to create a green space to the heart of Mantua’s Main Street.
Benner noted that last summer, the owners of Shaffer Meats, next door to the open space, inquired about adding a deck so that customers could sit outside to enjoy their lunch. Benner thought that instead of creating a small deck over the large open area, “if we fill it in, anyone can use it.” He noted that in Garrettsville the open green space is currently used for festivals, markets, and events. He hopes this new space in Mantua can be used in a similar fashion, as well. “It really opens it up and draws you downtown,” he added.
Benner was quick to point out that the project, which was completed in roughly two weeks, couldn’t have been accomplished without the support of family and friends throughout the community. Ted Manfress & Associates Architects created a rendering, which enabled Benner to gain approval for the project from Mantua’s Village Council. Benner noted that the project was helped with expertise, materials and equipment from Brugmann Sand & Gravel, OK Brugmann, Dan Tillett, Sargiovanni Brothers, Stamm’s, Eric Hummel, and Benner Masonry, to name a few. “One afternoon when I needed a hand setting the concrete ingots, Nathan and Lucas Cavanaugh of Cavanaugh Farms stopped by to give me an extra hand running equipment,” Benner noted.
He noted that the Middlefield Bank project, another local project bringing life to the space vacated by Chase Bank last May, provided some of the fill used. In total, the project required roughly 1,000 cubic yards of fill — about 50 truckloads, half of which came from the bank project. After the heavy equipment was gone, Benner spent a Saturday raking topsoil (provided by the Van Aukens) and planting grass seed. Flowers and plants were transplanted from the original beds along the sidewalk, further greening the setting; a split rail fence would soon be added. Benner noted that the site would be an ideal location for a mural, as well.
Thanks to the outpouring of support, the project was completed quickly and, “without much cost,” according to Benner. Since most of the work was completed using construction equipment, social distancing was observed during the process. Later on, when social distancing requirements are dropped and the space is in full bloom, Benner looks forward to gathering together with all those who helped make the project happen to share a drink in the Village’s new park-like setting.
