Lancaster's The Shumaker Now Leasing Commercial Spaces

For Immediate Release: April 16, 2026 LANCASTER, Ohio — A long-vacant piece of Lancaster’s industrial history is beginning a new chapter. The Shumaker, a newly renovated historic property at 219 N. Columbus St., is now accepting residential and commercial leases following a $20 million redevelopment by Urban Restorations.

Once home to major employers that helped shape Lancaster’s economy, the former Essex Wire building has been transformed into a 60-unit apartment community, including several short-term rental units, while preserving the historic architecture that defined the structure for more than a century. Residential leasing for The Shumaker is now underway.

In addition to providing residential spaces, the property also boasts six commercial spaces ranging in size from 500 to 3,000 square feet. Fairfield County is supporting commercial tenants by providing access to the Fairfield County Revolving Loan Fund (RLF) that makes available gap financing to provide low-interest loans to small-size and medium-size businesses in Fairfield County.

“The County is supportive of this project and is earmarking financial assistance because we believe in finding ways to continue to revitalize our county,” said Commissioner Dave Levacy. “We have seen tremendous development throughout the county and in downtown Lancaster along Main Street and are thrilled to see the growth extending to other areas of the community, including Columbus Street.”

The Fairfield County RLF has supported various projects in downtowns throughout the county and sees this as an opportunity to help jumpstart a critical investment in Lancaster.

“We have various ways we can support commercial tenants looking to be a part of one of the most transformative projects in the state,” said Rick Szabrak, Fairfield County Economic and Workforce Development Director. “We’re hoping to attract established local and regional companies that are looking for new office space, retail space, or restaurant space. The RLF will work with potential tenants to help make sure they are set up for long-term success.”

The Lancaster Port Authority is also contributing funding to support the development of the Shumaker and downtown Lancaster. Its Board of Directors recently approved $150,000 annually over two years to support small business funding. This funding, which will run through the County’s RLF program, can be used for businesses at the Shumaker or elsewhere in downtown Lancaster.

“This fund aims to support historic downtown Lancaster businesses and foster continued vibrancy and growth that developments such as the Shumaker bring to downtown Lancaster,” said Lancaster Port Authority Director Stephanie Bosco. “All prospective tenants in historic downtown Lancaster are encouraged to apply. Our downtown is the cornerstone of our community and we want to see it continue to thrive.”

Built in the early 1900s, the building originally housed the Fairfield Shoe Company, which by 1919, employed nearly 2,000 people and produced approximately 20,000 pairs of shoes annually. That legacy inspired the name The Shumaker, honoring the building’s roots and the shoe industry’s role in Lancaster’s growth.

The building later became home to Essex Wire Company in 1947, manufacturing electrical switches for automobiles, and from 1982 to 2005 was occupied by Fairfield Industries before sitting vacant for nearly two decades.

Urban Restorations President Bob Schilling said the project was designed to celebrate the building’s past while creating a distinctive modern living experience.

“Set inside a converted shoe factory, this one-of-a-kind residence showcases preserved historic architecture paired seamlessly with upscale modern amenities, delivering an elevated urban lifestyle unlike anything else in the city,” Schilling said.

For information on both commercial and residential leasing, visit https://theshumaker.com. For information about the RLF, please contact Vince Carpico at Vince.Carpico@FairfieldCountyOhio.gov.