The Clinton County Port Authority is seeking information from developers, investors, historic preservation consultants, and local residents regarding the future use and redevelopment of the historic Masonic Building, located at 28 West Main Street in Wilmington.

While the goal of this Request for Information (RFI) is to solicit information, capabilities, and redevelopment strategies from qualified firms and individuals that may be interested in responding to a future Request for Proposals, no formal qualifications are required to respond to this RFI.

“At this stage, creative thinking, community orientation, and feasibility are just as valued as technical expertise,” said Alex Beres, Executive Director of the Clinton County Port Authority. “A project like the Masonic Building will need tremendous partnership and strategic capital to become fully redeveloped, and because of that we want to hear from community members as well as interested individuals, prospective tenants, and investors.”

The Masonic Building, dedicated in 1913 for use by Masonic Lodge No. 52, has seen many changes in its history. Designed by Frank Packard and constructed for $40,000 ($1.2 million in 2025 dollars), the 21, 480 square foot building quickly became a hub for economic activity. Centrally located in the heart of downtown Wilmington, the building has been home to retail, restaurant, office, and art studio space. The Port Authority, through its DRIVE I, LLC subsidiary, acquired the building in October 2023. Additional information about the Wilmington DRIVE program can be found at https://www.chooseclintoncountyoh.org/doing-business/wilmington-drive. 

Experienced developers, investors, firms, and historic preservation consultants interested in submitting information can find the full RFI at https://bit.ly/28WMainRFILongForm. Local residents, investors, and businesses interested in submitting information, ideas, and interest can do so by completing the form at https://bit.ly/28WMainRFI or by emailing DRIVE.Wilmington.OH@gmail.com. RFI responses are due August 22, 2025.

Experienced developers, investors, firms, and historic preservation consultants interested in a site visit can schedule a walkthrough on August 1 or August 8, 2025, by contacting Tom Perry with CDC of Ohio at thomasjperry@att.net. An additional walkthrough for the general public will be held at 7:30 to 8:30 a.m. and 12 noon to 1 p.m. on August 15, 2025. 

“Our hope is that the information we receive in response to this RFI will better inform the next steps and identify potential partners for the Masonic Building,” Beres added.