The News Herald (Willoughby, OH)
Renovations begin on former Fowlers Mill site
A once bustling area of Munson Township that has been vacant since 2009 soon will see new life.
A once bustling area of Munson Township that has been vacant since 2009 soon will see new life.
Approximately four acres of property on Mayfield Road, site of the former Brown Barn and Fowler’s Mill Inn & Restaurant in the Fowlers Mill Historic District, is undergoing revitalization.
Mike Payne Jr. and Eric Payne of Payne & Payne Builders in Geauga County purchased the property in 2016.
“The community has been anticipating the restoration of this property for a long time, so we are excited to be underway with the improvements” said Eric Payne.
Todd and Susan Petersen, of Petersen & Petersen Attorneys at Law, will be moving their firm from Chardon to the site of the former Fowlers Mill Inn & Tavern. Construction of a new building is taking place there due to the prohibitive cost of renovating the original deteriorating structure, according to a news release from Payne & Payne Builders. Construction of the approximately 4,000-squarefoot building, plus an additional 2,100 square feet in the lower level, began on June 17. Completion is expected by the end of 2017. Leasable office space will be available.
Planned for the Brown Barn after renovations take place is an additional location for Maple City Taps & Eatery, a popular Chardon restaurant at Route 6 and Auburn Road.
Payne & Payne Builders are handling construction improvements.
“We plan to renovate the exterior, including a new pergola entry, in a manner that maintains the look and feel of the historic building but with more modern detailing,” said Mike Payne Jr. “Inside plans are still in progress, but (they) will include a new kitchen for the upcoming restaurant and a great atmosphere that takes advantage of the awesome views over Alpine Valley and the surrounding hillsides.”
Alpine Valley Ski Resort is located nearby.
Greg Higham, owner of Maple City Taps & Eatery, said his restaurant has earned a strong following and the second location “will enable us to offer a menu to complement Taps and provide more dining options for our customers.”
He added that “Each location will have its own atmosphere, but will maintain the quality and service that has earned us this opportunity. The open layout of the Brown Barn and the views over Alpine Valley will make for a really unique, laid-back atmosphere.”
Opening of the new restaurant is expected to take place in late 2017.
The property also includes a third building, pavilion and outdoor patio which will offer a variety of potential uses.
“It could work great for a retail, antique, or deli/coffee shop, or as office space,” said Mike Payne Jr.