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Village of Plain City Hosting Grand Opening for Transformative Public Square Project

6/2/2025

 
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​The first phase of a community project several years in the making is now complete in the heart of Uptown Plain City. The Village of Plain City recently put the finishing touches on The Depot at Public Square, an historic railroad depot that celebrates the community’s rich history.

A Grand Opening event will be held Friday, June 13, from 4-7 p.m. at 134 Church St., Plain City, Ohio. Parking is accessible from Bigelow Avenue. A dedication ceremony will take place around 4:15 p.m. followed by tours of the new facility, along with live music, and other family-friendly activities. The Depot serves as the cornerstone of the

larger Public Square project, which will provide space for events, visitor amenities, commercial ventures, and historical displays. Following the event, the Depot will be available for private rental this summer.

The Depot at Public Square was made possible thanks to the advocacy of State Representative Brian Stewart (RAshville), who aided with the acquisition of a state capital appropriation grant in the amount of $401,250. This state funding was integral to the project’s first phase which includes building installation, utility hookups, plaza construction, landscaping beds, and sidewalk installation around the park. The Village of Plain City would also like to thank local contractor Outdoor-FX for their professional and timely work on this project.

In 2024, Plain City Village Council unanimously approved the purchase of the Depot from the Fromm Family of Upper Arlington, Ohio. The 1,473-square foot depot was originally constructed in the 1880s in Brice, Ohio to serve the Shawnee and Columbus Railway. In 2004, it was relocated to Northwest Columbus where it underwent a meticulous reconstruction and restoration by Barry Fromm. Many of the original depot components were retained, including the original wooden walls and ceilings, while others were salvaged from other historical structures. The Fromm family selected Plain City to acquire the historic depot based on Plain City's vision for it as part of the Public Square project.

“A goal of staff and Council is to create unique gathering spaces in our Uptown district that complement our local businesses and landmarks of Plain City," said Haley Lupton, Village Administrator. "Completion of the Depot and Plaza is a big first step and I'm eager to see how these amenities breathe life into this growing area."

​The location of the Depot, and the Public Square project, pays homage to Plain City’s proud history as a railroad town. The first train passed through on July 4, 1853, and by the late 1800s, Plain City was one of the leading stations in Ohio for shipping livestock. Historical maps from 1862 and 1875 reveal that this area was referred to as "Public Square." Positioned at the corner of East Bigelow Avenue and Church Street, the site served as the original location for Plain City’s town hall, fire department, railroad station, school, and other early community buildings. Currently owned by the Village, the site also features a newly paved public parking lot.

FUTURE PHASES
Beyond the Depot, future phases of the project will unveil The Park at Public Square, which will include a splash pad and more community centric space. There are also plans to repurpose an existing historical building into The Marketplace at Public Square. This indoor marketplace will offer dedicated space for seasonal vendors, small businesses, and a variety of community events.

"We’re thrilled for the addition of the Public Square project and what it represents in the heart of our community,” said Mayor Jody Carney. “It solidifies a public gathering place that will be enjoyed for many years to come.”

The Public Square project is a testament to Plain City's commitment to fostering economic growth and community engagement. Recognizing the importance of preserving history as the community continues to grow, Plain City embraces this initiative as a meaningful step towards a more vibrant and connected future. For more information about Public Square and updates on future phases, please visit www.plain-city.com/public-square.
​​Pictures of The Depot and Plaza at Public Square - May 2025 
Public Square – Conceptual Renderings
Also available online: www.plain-city.com/public-square 
Brice, Ohio Rail Depot - Modern and Historical Photos 

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