Renkert Building is symbolic of faith in city’s future
Sometimes, all it takes is a spark.
Sometimes all that’s needed is one or two people who can gaze at an empty space and envision what others can’t.
The news that the historic Renkert Building in downtown Canton may undergo a rebirth as a hotel, event space and restaurant is the kind of news that kindles hope.
The proposal will be boosted by a $5 million historic preservation tax credit from the Ohio Development Services Agency. Though tax credits are sometimes handed out too easily with little to show, this is the kind of public investment that people can understand.
In a city that once saw little asset saving in historic buildings, it’s a hopeful sign that there’s been a change in how we value the past.
Certainly, they don’t make buildings these days like the Renkert.
Made of impenetrable paving brick, it will be standing when our great-grandkids are zipping around like the Jetsons.
Such a plan may not have even been considered were it not for the successful outcome of Centennial Plaza, a public-private partnership that showcases an ingenious reimagining of what was ordinary green space, and the construction of the DoubleTree by Hilton downtown.
Both projects are much bigger than their connection to the Pro Football Hall of Fame because they’re changing how Cantonians see their city.
Just as most New Yorkers never visit the Statue of Liberty, many Cantonians have never darkened the doors of the Pro Football Hall of Fame but a lot of people are making the most of Centennial Plaza and the new hotel.
It could be said that both projects were an outgrowth of “The Eleven,” a public-art series that celebrates the city’s status as the cradle of the NFL.
It can be further argued that “The Eleven” was made feasible in part by the transformation of the former Hercules plant into housing, along with the former Onesto Hotel and the Bliss Tower, and existing apartments updated by developer Mike King because they prove people are willing to live and play downtown — they simply needed the opportunity.
The spark resuscitating downtown must also spread to our neighborhoods. In too many cities, it’s been the same story: The downtown area is a sparkling jewel but if you drive a few blocks away, well, good luck.
The spark which may bring the Renkert Building back to life must also spur a desire to preserve and protect the stately Victorian-era homes located in downtown’s perimeter, including Market Avenue, Cleveland Avenue, and 12th Street NW.
Such improvements can and should support existing homeowners and innovative programs to encourage first-time buyers to give the city a chance.
Though a new hotel and restaurant aren’t cutting edge, it opens the door to creativity and things that haven’t been tried here before. While there’s no spinning the departure of the Canton Charge from the Memorial Civic Center, or the closing of Nationwide, both present an opportunity for aggressive marketing and ideas on how to repurpose the spaces.
Because everything is connected, a healthy downtown begets more revenue, which benefits city services, which benefits residents and neighborhoods which have not seen much if any bounty or benefit from downtown development.
Every city has a future. What it will be, depends on how much we invest ourselves in the present.
Charita M. Goshay is a Canton Repository staff writer and a member of the editorial board. Reach her at 330-580-8313 or [email protected]. On Twitter: @cgoshayREP
