CAMBRIDGE, Ohio (AVC News) — The historic building at 820 Wheeling Avenue in downtown Cambridge will be demolished after an extensive assessment determined the structure can no longer be safely restored, according to the Guernsey County Board of Developmental Disabilities and Guernsey County Board of Commissioners.
The decision follows nearly five months of assessment and discussions after a March 31 storm caused a significant portion of the building’s rear roof to collapse.
Before the storm, the Guernsey County Board of Developmental Disabilities was working to renovate the building for an inclusive paint-your-own-pottery studio. The proposed business was intended to provide employment opportunities for people with and without disabilities while creating a downtown destination for families and community members.
Following the roof collapse, the Board of DD and county commissioners worked with the county’s insurance carrier, CORSA, and Surgent Construction to evaluate the damage and determine whether the building could be preserved.
A more extensive assessment determined restoration was no longer a viable option.
In addition to the roof collapse and months of exposure to rain and other weather, the assessment identified structural concerns connected to a fire that occurred in the building during the 1960s.
According to the Boards, structural beams damaged in that fire were reinforced at the time, but prolonged exposure to moisture following the roof collapse caused additional deterioration in areas that had previously been compromised.
“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.”
Plans Continue for Inclusive Business
Despite the decision to demolish the building, the Board of DD said it intends to continue pursuing plans for an inclusive paint-your-own-pottery studio at the 820 Wheeling Avenue property.
The proposed studio would provide a space where people with and without disabilities can work together while offering an arts-focused community gathering place for people of all ages and abilities.
The concept is similar to Art & Clay on Main in Lancaster, which provides opportunities for individuals with and without disabilities through its pottery studio and community activities.
The Board of DD and county commissioners plan to work together to pursue grants and other funding opportunities that could allow the project to move forward 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 said the Board remains committed to the original concept despite the loss of the building.
“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,” Brown said. “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 thanked CORSA and Surgent Construction for their assistance and expertise during the assessment process.
Additional information about the demolition and future plans for the property will be released as the project progresses.
Last Updated on September 28, 2026 by AVC News
