Medina Public Square Historic District

Medina's Public Square is a county-seat green of roughly 300 by 330 feet, ringed by commercial blocks, a courthouse, a library and churches. Most of the buildings are High Victorian Italianate or Second Empire designs. Much of what stands was built between 1870 and 1900, after the Great Fire of April 14, 1870 destroyed forty or forty-five buildings and caused an estimated $200,000 in losses. Local citizens rebuilt largely through private enterprise, and the arrival of a railroad line in 1871 added to the momentum. By 1880 the west and south sides of the square were complete. Later additions include a Romanesque bank of 1892 and a Neo-Classic Revival library of 1904-1907. Beginning in 1968, a Community Design Committee led cleaning of facades, a sign ordinance and consistent street lighting. The district is notable for preserving one of the most complete late nineteenth century town centers in northeastern Ohio.