A years-long fight over the future of the former Napoleon Central School property is now before the Ohio Supreme Court. The Cultural Center of Henry County has appealed a lower-court ruling that went against the group, leaving the building on West Main Street once again facing possible demolition.
Laura Retcher, a member of the CCHC board and a 1979 graduate, said she spent years performing in the old John L. Johnson Auditorium on the property. “I was on the stage so many times growing up,” Retcher said. “I sang in choir, I was in band.”
Gary Westhoven, class of 1967, said the building holds a similar place in his memories. “I was in junior class play and senior class play and I remember those,” Westhoven said.
The non-profit took over the site in 2017 from the Napoleon Area City School District. Under the purchase agreement, CCHC had five years to complete repairs and obtain an occupancy permit or face demolition of the property.
Mark Giannetto, president of the CCHC board, said the group has not yet secured the permit, about nine years later. “It’s hard to get major commitments of money to finish things up,” Giannetto said.
Giannetto and Westhoven, who also serves as the group’s volunteer coordinator, said unnecessary repairs and the demolition clause have slowed progress. The COVID-19 pandemic also played a role, they said.
CCHC continues to make repairs at the property. The group wants to turn the site into a multi-use community center with an auditorium, a possible wrestling arena, apartments and a banquet hall for weddings.
Court records show the school district board of education and the City of Napoleon filed a lawsuit against CCHC in 2023.
Superintendent Dr. Erik Belcher confirmed the lawsuit and cited the sale contract on the property with CCHC. He declined to comment further because of the pending litigation.
The city manager and city council also declined to comment, citing the pending litigation.
Westhoven called the dispute ridiculous. “It’s a historic building with features that you will never see in new construction, it just can’t be afforded,” Westhoven said.
Giannetto said the property holds memories and promise. “Generations of kids performed there,” Giannetto said. “There is … plenty of … opportunity and prospects for the future here.”
Retcher said she would be very sad to see the building torn down. “It has so many memories and so many possibilities here,” Retcher said. “This can benefit the community.”
CCHC filed the appeal with the Ohio Supreme Court after appeals at the local level ruled in the district’s favor.
