Local Developer Celebrates Ribbon Cutting of Investment in Downtown Urbana

URBANA— Sellman Enterprises, LLC has completed the redevelopment of a former furniture store in downtown Urbana into a co-work hub for local small businesses and loft apartments. The project entails a 13,255 square foot renovation and a $2.9 investment. The anchor tenant, The 211 Coworking, will occupy about 6,965 square feet.

“The opening of this historic building near Urbana’s Monument Square celebrates both Urbana’s legacy and bright future,” said Ohio Governor Mike DeWine. “The restored property reflects Urbana’s impactful past while serving as an example of how Ohioans can pull together to attract jobs and investment to our smaller communities.”

Located at 219 N. Main Street, the newly renovated building is a combination of Willman Lofts and The 211 Coworking space. The first floor is The 211 Coworking, a hybrid coworking business that provides “one-stop-shop” services via community and expert members as well as staff support for start-up companies and existing businesses. The upper two floors have been converted into loft living space with nine residential units total.

“When we identified the layout and usability of this beautiful historic structure to be nearly irrelevant in today’s retail and commercial standards, we knew we had to redefine its layout and use,” said local developer Jamon Sellman. “We are attempting to redefine our Historic Downtown, one building at a time, with newly reimagined spaces that are cutting edge, usable, and efficient.”

“The building’s history, location, and architectural significance represent a blend of unique qualities that lend to its substantial potential for success,” said the Principal, SJM Studio Sarah Mackert. “These qualities include location within Monument Square, architectural significance and unsurpassed scale within that urban core, and community interest in remembering a multi-generational local business that represented Urbana for nearly three-quarters of a century.”

Supporters believe the project will serve as an anchor to catalyze additional investment in downtown Urbana. This project was made possible by the collaborative efforts of Sellman Enterprises LLC, The 211 Coworking, JobsOhio, the Dayton Development Coalition, the City of Urbana, the Champaign Economic Partnership, Champaign County Chamber of Commerce & Visitors Bureau and Ohio Department of Development.

"This project marks a pivotal moment for Urbana’s historic downtown—a rare and powerful catalyst for new investment and long-term revitalization,” said Rich Ebert, Economic Development Director with the Champaign Economic Partnership. “Beyond its immediate impact, it’s fueling a wave of momentum that will help shape the economic and cultural landscape of our county and community for years to come."

JobsOhio’s Vibrant Communities program supported the revitalization project with a $800,000 grant. The JobsOhio Vibrant Communities Program was established to assist small and medium-sized communities with the implementation of catalytic development projects that fulfill a market need and represent a significant reinvestment in Ohio communities. Eligible projects include mixed-use projects, real estate development projects, and shared spaces that meet the JobsOhio project criteria.

“The refurbishment of the striking downtown Urbana landmark came with great collaboration from the Dayton Development Coalition, the Champaign Economic Partnership, and Sellman Enterprises,” said JobsOhio President and CEO J.P. Nauseef. “The mixed-use space brings jobs, new residents and more business opportunities that will attract additional investment to Urbana’s Main Street corridor.”

In 2018, community leaders and stakeholders began efforts to revitalize the downtown district of Urbana. As part of the strategic plan to bring more housing and entertainment to the downtown district, the need for living and convenient, professional office space was found to be lacking.

“The City of Urbana has taken the right steps to prepare for future growth through prior community planning efforts that identified the need to develop new housing market opportunities and to explore and support policies that repurpose, redevelop, and reoccupy existing development,” said City of Urbana Mayor Bill Bean. “This investment by Sellman Enterprises, LLC and JobsOhio will help Urbana’s downtown further become a destination for young professionals and families to live and grow in.”

Sellman Enterprises celebrated the project with a ribbon-cutting ceremony on September 12, attended by local government officials and community partners. Mayor Bill Bean,  Senator Susan Machester, Steven Hess, President of Champaign County Board of Commissioners and Hannah Baumgartel, Senior Program Manager of JobsOhio, participated in the program.

 The event showcased the renovation of the building and walking tours.