From Furniture to Future: CEP Helps Transform Willman Building into The 211 (The Two Eleven)9/12/2025
Thanks to the Champaign Economic Partnership (CEP), that answer arrived. With steady guidance, local connections, and a clear vision for growth, CEP helped ensure the Willman Building wouldn’t sit idle. This September, it will officially reopen, not as a furniture store, but as The 211 (The Two Eleven), a modern hub for small businesses, freelancers, and entrepreneurs.
“We wanted to create more than office space. We wanted to build a place where people in Urbana can work, gather, and thrive together,” said Jamon and Tiffiene Sellman. “The 211 is designed to feel warm and inspiring, a hub where local professionals and creatives can stay connected right here in our community.” The project connects Urbana’s past and future. The historic Willman Building remains a cornerstone of Main Street, while inside, a new venture, operated by local entrepreneur Tiffiene Sellman, offers flexible, contemporary work environments: private offices, co-working memberships, a conference room, and event-rental options. Natural wood, abundant light, greenery, and welcoming finishes create a professional space that still feels inviting. The goal is simple: give local talent the resources they need without leaving Champaign County. This outcome took time and persistence. CEP began working with the Willman family in June 2022 to identify a buyer. Several prospects toured the property but passed. CEP kept at it, ultimately connecting with Jamon Sellman, who saw the potential and stepped forward. From there, CEP worked alongside Jamon on the JobsOhio Vibrant Communities Grant application and helped shape the pitch, close financing gaps with a local bank, and see the project through closing and construction. CEP continued supporting the effort as plans evolved and partners aligned, including JobsOhio and the Dayton Development Coalition. Former owner Scott Fannin is pleased with the result. After touring the revamped space, he said, “I love what they’ve done with it.” He added, “I just wanted it to be in good hands,” and believes that wish has been fulfilled. The redevelopment, led by Sellman Enterprises, LLC, covers 13,255 square feet and represents a $2.9 million investment in downtown Urbana. The 211 (The Two Eleven) anchors nearly 7,000 square feet on the first floor, while the upper two floors have been converted into nine loft apartments. In addition to the JobsOhio grant, the project leveraged Ohio Historic Preservation Tax Credits, a competitive program that helps bring private investment to historic buildings which are resources CEP helped connect. More than a shared workspace, The 211 (The Two Eleven) is designed as a community engine. Planned amenities include a coffee bar and lounge, flexible work zones, space for yoga sessions and workshops, and event capacity for birthdays, anniversaries, and professional gatherings. Its impact will be felt across the local economy by keeping professionals in Urbana rather than commuting to Columbus or Dayton. Momentum is already building. The first official event is scheduled for September 24, 2025 and they will be welcoming 40–50 attendees. It’s an early sign of how the building will function: as a place to connect, create, and celebrate. Throughout the renovation, the building’s character has been preserved. Original hardwood floors, tall windows, baseboards, and even elements of the original mechanics remain. Guided by historic-preservation rules, the team layered in modern touches such as deep “color-drenched” walls, gold-and-black finishings, and thoughtfully thrifted vintage lighting to blend past and present in a way that feels both practical and inspiring. While Jamon took on ownership, Tiffiene shaped the identity and operations of The 211 (The Two Eleven). CEP’s leadership tied it all together. Director Rich Ebert and his team ensured local resources were leveraged, outside partners were connected, and the project never lost momentum. Rich Ebert, Director of the Champaign Economic Partnership believes that this project will be a catalyst for all of Champaign County. “Having such a space in the heart of our county will provide a central hub that will draw business and entrepreneurs from all over. The space will provide business ingenuity and creativity among it’s members. With the ability to work and live in such an environment, I am excited to see what comes from this repurposed space.” The 211 (The Two Eleven) is poised to become an essential part of Champaign County’s business ecosystem to be a place where ideas are born, partnerships form, and residents find both opportunity and connection. Thanks to CEP’s leadership and the Sellmans’ commitment, Urbana gains more than a co-working space; it gains a lasting reminder of what’s possible when a community invests in itself. Tours & Availability Interested in touring or checking availability at The 211 (The Two Eleven)? Contact Tiffiene Sellman at [email protected]. Memorial Health Expands Occupational Health Services for Urbana/Champaign County Businesses2/28/2024
 Memorial Health is expanding its Occupational Health services for those businesses and entities in the Champaign County area. The organization’s Occupational Health services include injury care, employee wellness, pre-employment physicals and fitness-for-duty exams, drug testing, immunizations and much more.
The new full-time clinic hours are now 7 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday through Friday. During these expanded hours, Memorial providers and nursing staff are available to provide employee healthcare services and injury management/treatment. Memorial Occupational Health is located at 1958 E. U.S. Highway 36 in Urbana. To learn more about the Occupational Health program at Memorial, call (937) 578-2256.
Rich Ebert, CEP's new Executive Director shared his excitement recently saying, "Seeing lights on at Legacy Place in Urbana's Downtown warms my heart. The transformation of all three buildings has been amazing. The impact of this project on our community will be felt for many years to come. In all three building, the apartments are large and comfortable as well as cozy and clean. Residents coming to live in these apartments will be thrilled with the amenities and features along with the unique setting each is in. After touring the buildings, I've been most impressed with the attention to detail by the builders and designers. it will be an absolute asset to our greater community for years to come!"
Legacy Place Apartments will be hosting Open Houses at all 3 locations on Monday, February 14th from 1:00pm until 6:00pm. Locations include: Legacy Place North, formerly North Elementary School (located at 626 N Russell Street, Urbana); Legacy Place South, formerly South Elementary School (located at 725 S Main Street, Urbana); Legacy Place Monument Square, formerly Douglas Hotel (located at 27 Monument Square, Urbana). The community is invited to come tour the facilities, hear about the history, and share their own stories surrounding these historic buildings. Parking will be limited at each location, and it is encouraged to utilize the shuttles from the Champaign County Community Building (located at 1512 South US-68, Urbana) that will be running between the three properties from 12:30 pm until 4:00 pm. For information on tours or leasing, contact [email protected].
The Village is seeking more financial assistance through OPWC program to implement Phase ll of water line replacement program. Phase l Water Line replacement was completed in 2018.
Phase ll of the water line replacement program would replace water mains, service connections, fire hydrants and water meters on Walnut, North Main, West Race, and Sandusky Streets. This will serve approximately 140 residences directly and the remainder of the Village providing better water flow through the system. "We grateful to have received the grant and thank the State for their investment in our community." says the Village of Mechanicsburg.
"It was also nice to see our storefront repairs finish painted. Very proud of that arched sheet metal corner." says Blind Eye Restoration.
CEP was proud to be a part of this project and we are grateful for the partnerships that have been created! *Survey is now closed*
The Champaign County Commissioners are exploring grant opportunities to improve internet/broadband service. The first step is to collect data to determine the need for improved internet service, and this will be done through a survey. We need your opinion! Please take a moment to complete the survey (at your home), it can be found at: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/LUCInternet. Please share this information with others in Champaign County. Thank you! Ice Cream Parlor Will Also Return
After several months without a police chief, the St. Paris Village Council voted to hire a full-time chief during Monday’s regular council meeting.
Eric Smith of Bridgeport will earn a salary of $47,500 a year as defined by the village handbook. There will also be a “Canine Care Allowance” of $6,235.32 a year. Smith begins his duties on May 1, according to information from St. Paris Mayor Brenda Cook. A probation period will last until Nov. 1, at which time the mayor with the village’s safety committee will evaluate performance and recommend to council permanent appointment or dismissal.
In 2011, with the assistance of Hull & Associates, the city obtained a grant from the Ohio Department of Development through the Clean Ohio Assistance Fund for assessment work at the site.
In 2014, the city filed an expedited foreclosure application with the county Board of Revision. The following year, no one bid for the property at public auctions and the property was forfeited to the city. In 2017, the city took title to the property and, later that year, TIS Properties LLC partnered with the city to clean up and redevelop the site. The city and TIS both committed funds toward that end, and the Champaign Economic Partnership assisted in obtaining grant funding. In 2020, the city transferred ownership of the east side of the property to TIS Properties LLC. The city still owns the west side of the property, west of Dugan Run and the Simon Kenton Trail. City officials say remediation has been completed on the west side and that a covenant not to sue will be requested from Ohio EPA. At that point, the city hopes to find an end user. The city, TIS and the Champaign Economic Partnership continue work to redevelop the property. Information provided by the Ohio Environmental Protection Agency, the city of Urbana and the Champaign Economic Partnership. By Anna Gaertner- Contributing writer Urbana Daily Citizen
MECHANICSBURG – Champaign Economic Development Director Marcia Bailey was present during the meeting to discuss a building improvement project with the village council. “The Main Street building there on the corner which used to have a laundromat and a video store was owned by the village,” Bailey said. She explained that after the village had been trying to sell the property for a long time, Mayor Ben Layne put in a bid for the property, hoping to renovate it. “He had gotten started on some renovations, but then decided to sell the property and his brother was interested in it. His brother (Austin Layne) and his wife are now renovating the property,” Bailey explained. “There is an apartment upstairs, and one in the front of the building as well. And then, there will be storefronts on the bottom floor. “My question for the council is, do you want me to get another signed development agreement with Austin?” Bailey said. “Because of the nature of the way this transaction happened, I think it would be advantageous for Ben if Austin is willing to sign that,” Attorney Joe Jimenez replied. Council members unanimously agreed to have Austin Layne sign a new development agreement. “Having that eyesore cleaned up will be great!” Councilman Jason Adelsberger said after seeing photos of the renovation project. Other business Village Administrator April Huggins-Davis informed the council members about an estimate for repair from storm water issues on East Race Street and Clark Avenue for a total of $10,675 to likely come out of the street fund money. The council members approved the funds. “I don’t know if you have driven down West Sandusky, but we have some major issues. On West Main as well. Do we want to get bids to come in and fix these potholes?” added the mayor. Layne listed different methods that could be used to improve the streets. “We can use flash fill, concrete, asphalt. I think this needs to be as soon as possible. We can use the state fund for this, but it is our responsibility. We also have four water main break patches too.” The council members agreed to set up a Street Committee meeting to further discuss these issues. “I’ve had a couple calls about the Community Cleanup,” Huggins-Davis said. “Last year, it was canceled because nobody knew what was going on, but I think we can do that safely. They usually haul the dumpsters in on Friday and we get four of them. We need volunteers down there to help unload people’s trucks. We use the backhoe to smash everything down, so we need someone who can operate that.” The village council decided on Saturday, April 24 for the Community Cleanup. Layne concluded the meeting by thanking Councilman Chip Wibright. “I want to thank Chip and the street guys and anybody who chipped in with the snowfall this year. It was a lot more than usual. They did a good job and kept up with it as much as possible,” Layne said. Village council unanimously decided the most efficient way to sell a forklift the village wants to liquidate was to list it on GovDeals. Overview from Feb. 15 meeting The permanent budget for 2021 was presented to the Mechanicsburg Village Council in an email prior to the Feb. 15 meeting. After discussion, the council members passed the motion to approve the budget unanimously. The mayor requested to sell equipment that was unnecessary for the village, in order to clean out the barn which will provide a storage space for the storage trailer to be kept. The equipment included a salt spreader, two push mowers, a leaf vacuum and a John Deere mower. The items will be listed on GovDeals. Council also approved the disposal of village-owned scrap metals collected throughout the years. Reach Anna Gaertner at [email protected] |
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1512 South US Highway 68, Bay 14, Urbana, Ohio 43078 Mailing Address: PO Box 268, Urbana Ohio 43078 937-653-7200 |
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