Clinton County Port Authority Seeks Input on Redevelopment of Wilmington Masonic Building

The Clinton County Port Authority is seeking information from developers, investors, and historic preservation consultants 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.”

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. Site visit walkthroughs can be scheduled for August 1 or August 8, 2025, by contacting Tom Perry with CDC of Ohio at thomasjperry@att.net. RFI responses are due August 22, 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.