On June 26, 2023, the Shelby County Land Reutilization Corporation (Land Bank) held a ceremony to mark the beginning of the long-awaited remediation of former Wagner Manufacturing property, located at 440 Fair Road.
Funding for the over $4 million project will come from multiple sources. The Land Bank was awarded $2,815,000 for the cleanup and remediation of the site through the Ohio Brownfield Remediation Program. In addition, the city received a $1.0 million earmark in the 2021-2022 State of Ohio Capital Budget bill and has budgeted an additional $500,000 toward the site remediation. The Shelby County Commissioners have committed another $250,000 toward the project.
The Wagner Manufacturing complex includes more than a dozen interconnected buildings, and has been abandoned for some years. Several of the buildings have either already collapsed or are in danger of collapsing. Remediation of the site includes demolition of the structures and removal of hazardous materials.
The contract for hazardous materials abatement and demolition was awarded to Complete Demolition Services, Louisville, KY. Complete Demolition Services began mobilizing equipment at the site earlier in the week. It will take several months to properly clear the hazardous materials and internal debris. Demolition of the buildings will follow debris and hazardous materials removal. The project completion date is mid-to late October.
Residents who see suspicious activity at the site after hours are encouraged to call 911.
Congratulations to all involved who have worked to secure the necessary funding.