Trivium to Redevelop Historic Church into Mixed-Use Space in Lancaster

$4 Million Project Backed by Vibrant Community Grant Will Add Co-Working Space, Makers Kitchen and Retail

Columbus, Ohio – Trivium Development LLC announced plans to redevelop a historic church in downtown Lancaster into a dynamic mixed-use facility that will serve as a new hub for innovation and community engagement. Backed by a $700,000 JobsOhio Vibrant Community Grant, the $4 million redevelopment will include co-working space, a makers kitchen and restaurant, as well as new retail opportunities.

The city’s first co-working space will provide entrepreneurs, freelancers and small businesses with a professional environment to grow their work. A fully equipped makers kitchen will give food-based startups access to the tools and certifications they need to scale their operations. Alongside new retail and dining, these additions will bring more activity downtown and create better opportunities for residents and visitors.

“The Mills Memorial Church has stood in Lancaster for well over a century, and I commend the community's vision and the partnerships created to renew and transform this historic structure,” said Ohio Governor Mike DeWine. “The revitalization of the Mills Memorial church will serve future generations by restoring an important part of Lancaster’s heritage while creating opportunities that will attract jobs and commercial activity downtown.”

“We are thrilled to bring such an exciting project to Lancaster,” said Tim Spencer, president of Trivium Development. “Revitalizing this historic church into a place for innovation, dining and community gathering is both a privilege and an opportunity to contribute to the city’s momentum. We believe this space will quickly become a centerpiece for Lancaster’s growing downtown.”

The project will transform the historic Mills Memorial Church, founded in 1898 and last used for worship in 2019, into a vibrant community asset. This redevelopment honors the nearly 125-year legacy of the church while creating a dynamic space that serves Lancaster’s 40,000 residents.

“Lancaster is on the rise,” said Lancaster Mayor Don McDaniel. “By transforming this historic landmark into a hub for entrepreneurs and community activity, we are honoring our past while building a vibrant future.”

The redevelopment reflects a strong collaboration between Trivium Development, the City of Lancaster, the Lancaster Port Authority, Destination Downtown Lancaster, One Columbus at the Columbus Partnership and JobsOhio.

“The Vibrant Community Grant program was designed to help communities unlock their potential, and this project is a perfect example of that mission in action,” said JobsOhio President and CEO J.P. Nauseef. “By supporting Trivium Development’s vision, the grant is helping Lancaster preserve its history while creating new opportunities for entrepreneurs, businesses and residents alike.”

“The Columbus Region flourishes when communities like Lancaster seize the opportunity to reimagine and reinvent,” said Matt McCollister, interim president of One Columbus. “This redevelopment is a transformative win for Lancaster, and we are proud to stand shoulder to shoulder supporting its growth.”

About JobsOhio
JobsOhio is a private nonprofit economic development corporation designed to drive job creation and new capital investment in Ohio through business attraction, retention and expansion. The organization also works to seed talent production in its targeted industries and to attract talent to Ohio through Find Your Ohio. JobsOhio works with seven regional partners across Ohio: Dayton Development Coalition, Lake to River, Ohio Southeast, One Columbus, REDI Cincinnati, Regional Growth Partnership and Team NEO. Learn more at www.jobsohio.com. Follow the company on LinkedIn, Twitter and Facebook.

About the Columbus Partnership
The Columbus Partnership brings together civic-minded business leaders to advance a shared vision to make Columbus the most prosperous region in the country. Columbus Partnership member CEOs are committed to the future of the Columbus metropolitan area through high-impact civic and philanthropic engagement. Through our One Columbus and Smart Columbus brands and investor support, our team works to help create jobs and attract capital investment, expand access to opportunity, and improve the economic competitiveness of the Columbus Region. Learn more at columbusregion.com.