LIMA, Ohio (WLIO) – Lima’s Town Square was full of activity Monday as two major projects got underway.
At ArtSpace/Lima, exterior renovations began on their newly acquired building. Crews from Trisco Systems started removing the metal façade to reveal the original brick front of the structure, which was built in 1869. ArtSpace Executive Director Sally Windle said the building has a rich history, but they only knew what the exterior looked like from photos at the Allen County Museum.
“So seeing the facade, the brick, all of those things of what used to be here is pretty exciting. And then it’s on to the process of making this our new permanent collection gallery and space,” Windle said.
In October 2023, an anonymous donor gave ArtSpace Lima funds to purchase the building and make the improvements for the addition to the art center.
Meanwhile, demolition has begun at the site of the future “Lima Veterans Memorial Grove,” located in front of the Veterans Memorial Civic Center in Town Square. The memorial is a collaboration of private and public donors and stems from the vision and dedication of local veterans.
Plans call for a 9-foot-tall engraved granite monument crowned with an 8-foot-high steel flame. The memorial will also feature six mounted steel plaques, made by the Joint Systems Manufacturing Center, representing each branch of the U.S. Armed Forces. Landscaping and seating will provide space for visitors to reflect. Organizers hope to have construction completed by the end of the year.
