Mayor Issues Update Regarding Rutland Civic Center Renovation

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

August 6, 2026

MEDIA CONTACT

Delaynie Potts

Village Clerk-Fiscal Officer and Assistant to the Executive

Telephone: (740) 742-2121, Ext. 1000

delaynie.potts@villageofrutland.org

RUTLAND, Ohio — Mayor Tyler M. Eblin has issued the following statement providing an update regarding the planned renovation of the Rutland Civic Center:

"Today, I am pleased to announce that I have signed the Brownfield Remediation Program Grant Agreement with the Ohio Department of Development, and the Project Information Package with the Ohio Department of Natural Resources, for the administration of the Rutland Civic Center Multi-Purpose Revitalization Project funded in part through Senate Bill 450.

The ODOD Brownfield Remediation Program Grant Agreement and ODNR Project Information Package compose the initial steps to the advancement of state funding to the municipal treasury for completion of the project. The Village anticipates ODNR submitting to the Mayor's Office a state-local project grant agreement, which I will sign in the weeks forthcoming.

I will ask the Rutland Village Council to pass legislation during its August session to begin the process of requesting proposals for architectural and engineering services for both the asbestos removal and construction phases. Once an architect is selected, formal drawings will be completed, and the bidding process for a general contractor will begin.

My office is eager to tentatively announce the project is estimated to begin in the late fall, early winter of this year, and require approximately one year to complete, beginning with the removal of asbestos, and progressing to full building construction. Contingency plans will be in place regarding the public use of the building's facilities, as renovations will be completed in phases, to ensure Center operations are only minimally disrupted, insofar as the scope of work allows.

Once completed, the Rutland Civic Center, a now 71 year old structure, will be renewed for the next generations with modern, state-of-the-art facilities, including a new roofing system; new clerestory windows in the gymnasium; new ceilings; new lighting; new heating, ventilation and air conditioning systems; and handicap accessible restroom facilities, following the removal of asbestos, rendering the Center safer, more accommodating and more inviting for guests.

The Village of Rutland continues to extend its gratitude to all project partners who have contributed to the success of the funding opportunity through S.B. 450, including Mayor's Partnership for Progress at Ohio University; Verdantas; Representative Kevin Ritter; Senator Brian Chavez; and the Ohio Legislature.