09/28/2026
The Guernsey County Board of Developmental Disabilities (GCBDD) and the Guernsey County Board of Commissioners are providing an update regarding the historic building located at 820 Wheeling Avenue following the determination that the structure cannot safely be restored and will need to be demolished.
The decision comes after nearly five months of assessment, discussion, and collaboration following the March 31 storm, which caused the collapse of a significant portion of the building's rear roof.
Prior to the storm, the Guernsey County Board of Developmental Disabilities had been actively working to renovate the 820 Wheeling Avenue building for a new inclusive business venture: a paint-your-own-pottery studio. The concept is designed to provide an inclusive environment where people with and without disabilities can work together, while creating a welcoming downtown destination for individuals, families, and community members to gather, create, and socialize.
Unfortunately, the storm significantly changed the course of those renovation plans.
Since the roof collapse, the Boards have worked closely with CORSA, the county's insurance carrier, and Surgent Construction to fully evaluate the extent of the damage and determine whether the building could be preserved and restored.
Following a recent, more extensive assessment of the structure, it was determined that restoration is no longer a viable option. In addition to the significant roof collapse and extensive weather damage resulting from months of exposure to the elements, the assessment identified additional structural concerns associated with a fire that occurred in the building in the 1960s.
Although the fire-damaged structural beams were reinforced following the fire, the recent and prolonged exposure to rain and moisture has caused further deterioration in those previously compromised areas.
The decision to demolish the building was not made lightly.
“We recognize the historical significance of this building and understand the community's concern whenever a piece of our downtown history is lost,” said Kellie Brown, Superintendent of the Guernsey County Board of Developmental Disabilities. “Over the past five months, every effort has been made to determine whether this building could be saved. Unfortunately, based on the extent of the damage and the structural concerns that have been identified, demolition is the only responsible option.”
Although the historic structure cannot be saved, the Guernsey County Board of Developmental Disabilities remains committed to the vision that was already underway before the storm.
The Board intends to continue pursuing the development of an inclusive paint-your-own-pottery studio on the 820 Wheeling Avenue property. The goal is to create a welcoming downtown business where individuals with and without disabilities can work together and where people of all ages and abilities can come together to enjoy the arts and each other's company.
The concept is similar to successful inclusive businesses such as Art & Clay on Main in Lancaster, Ohio, which provides opportunities for individuals with and without disabilities through its pottery studio and community activities.
The Guernsey County Board of Developmental Disabilities and the Guernsey County Board of Commissioners have expressed their commitment to working together to pursue grants and other funding opportunities that could make it possible to continue this project at the site.
“We understand how important this historic building is to our community, and we know that its loss will be difficult for many people,” said Jack Marlin, on behalf of the Guernsey County Board of Commissioners. “While we are disappointed that the building cannot be saved, we are supportive of the Board of Developmental Disabilities' plans for the property and look forward to working together to pursue opportunities to bring this vision to life.”
Brown added, “This was a project we were already excited about before the storm, and we don't want the loss of the building to mean the loss of the vision. We still believe an inclusive paint-your-own-pottery studio would be a wonderful addition to downtown Cambridge and would provide meaningful opportunities for people with and without disabilities to work together. We are committed to finding a way forward.”
The Boards extend their sincere appreciation to CORSA and Surgent Construction for their partnership, expertise, and commitment throughout the assessment process.
While the community will say goodbye to an important piece of its architectural history, the Guernsey County Board of Developmental Disabilities remains committed to creating a new chapter for the property—one focused on inclusion, employment, community connection, and opportunity.
Additional information regarding the demolition process and future plans for the property will be shared as the project progresses.
