Historic Medina's Proud Heritage
Medina is a community proud of its heritage. The Public Square and the
buildings in the historic district surrounding the uptown park have been
recognized as the physical, symbolic, commercial, governmental, cultural and
social center of Medina since its founding nearly two centuries ago. Today, the
city’s historic center defines the image of the community. Beloved by Medina’s
residents, Public Square is a source of tremendous pride and it is often cited
as a key reason why people choose to live in Medina.
Founded in 1818, one of the first things Medina’s earliest settlers did was
to clear away the huge trees and create a public park, or, as it was called in
their native New England, a Town Commons or Village Green. Business and
residential buildings quickly sprang up along the four streets surrounding the
park. The community received a grant of land on the condition it become the
county seat for Medina County. In 1821, a fine brick building was built to house
the county courts. It remains today, serving a thriving business on Public
Square.
Incorporated as a village in the 1830’s, Medina and the surrounding county grew rapidly. By 1841, a larger courthouse was needed
and one was constructed on the northeast side of Public Square. While hidden
beneath later expansions, the 1841 courthouse still remains as a vital part of
Medina’s uptown life today. Other county, city and federal government buildings
grace the area as well as historic churches, theaters and a magnificent public
library building.
The Public Square we recognize today was created from tragedy. On the night
of April 14, 1870, fire destroyed dozens of wooden buildings in Public Square
and down South Court Street. City leaders met the next morning on the steps of
the courthouse and made plans to rebuild Medina. Over the following decade, a
new commercial heart, this time built of brick, rose building by building from
the ashes of the past. These Victorian era commercial buildings and those that
came soon after give Medina’s uptown its unique historic character.
As a crossroads of four state highways and two rail lines, Medina continued
to grow in the 1900’s. By 1950, the village’s population had increased to the
point where Medina could become a city. Residents adopted a charter and Medina
officially became a city in 1954.
Postwar growth was in full swing and many uptown businesses and property
owners were “modernizing” their buildings. By the late 1960’s the grand
Victorian buildings of the 1800’s were buried beneath false fronts, boarded in
windows, garish signs and all manner of unbecoming fake architectural additions.
Medina’s historic charm was lost but it was waiting to be rediscovered.
In 1967, a group of Medina citizens concerned about the loss of character of
the uptown area began a grassroots effort to return Public Square to its
historic appearance. They formed the Community Design Committee (CDC). Working
with local businesses and property owners, the CDC guided the preservation of
our uptown architecture resulting in the restoration of our historic structures
and the economic revitalization of Medina’s Public Square.
Today, the restored Public Square is listed on the National Register of
Historic Places. It and the surrounding historic district remain the heart
of the community. In the summer, friday night band concerts are enjoyed in
the Public Square Park as they have been since 1859. Throughout the year, a
wide variety of activities, businesses and restaurants invite residents and
visitors alike to experience Medina’s Public Square excitement and charm.
Main Street Medina is at the center of this activity and we welcome you to
our historic community.
Medina is a community proud of its heritage. The Public Square and the
buildings in the historic district surrounding the uptown park have been
recognized as the physical, symbolic, commercial, governmental, cultural and
social center of Medina since its founding nearly two centuries ago. Today, the
city’s historic center defines the image of the community. Beloved by Medina’s
residents, Public Square is a source of tremendous pride and it is often cited
as a key reason why people choose to live in Medina.
Founded in 1818, one of the first things Medina’s earliest settlers did was
to clear away the huge trees and create a public park, or, as it was called in
their native New England, a Town Commons or Village Green. Business and
residential buildings quickly sprang up along the four streets surrounding the
park. The community received a grant of land on the condition it become the
county seat for Medina County. In 1821, a fine brick building was built to house
the county courts. It remains today, serving a thriving business on Public
Square.
Incorporated as a village in the 1830’s, Medina and the surrounding county grew rapidly. By 1841, a larger courthouse was needed
and one was constructed on the northeast side of Public Square. While hidden
beneath later expansions, the 1841 courthouse still remains as a vital part of
Medina’s uptown life today. Other county, city and federal government buildings
grace the area as well as historic churches, theaters and a magnificent public
library building.
The Public Square we recognize today was created from tragedy. On the night
of April 14, 1870, fire destroyed dozens of wooden buildings in Public Square
and down South Court Street. City leaders met the next morning on the steps of
the courthouse and made plans to rebuild Medina. Over the following decade, a
new commercial heart, this time built of brick, rose building by building from
the ashes of the past. These Victorian era commercial buildings and those that
came soon after give Medina’s uptown its unique historic character.
As a crossroads of four state highways and two rail lines, Medina continued
to grow in the 1900’s. By 1950, the village’s population had increased to the
point where Medina could become a city. Residents adopted a charter and Medina
officially became a city in 1954.
Postwar growth was in full swing and many uptown businesses and property
owners were “modernizing” their buildings. By the late 1960’s the grand
Victorian buildings of the 1800’s were buried beneath false fronts, boarded in
windows, garish signs and all manner of unbecoming fake architectural additions.
Medina’s historic charm was lost but it was waiting to be rediscovered.
In 1967, a group of Medina citizens concerned about the loss of character of
the uptown area began a grassroots effort to return Public Square to its
historic appearance. They formed the Community Design Committee (CDC). Working
with local businesses and property owners, the CDC guided the preservation of
our uptown architecture resulting in the restoration of our historic structures
and the economic revitalization of Medina’s Public Square.
Today, the restored Public Square is listed on the National Register of
Historic Places. It and the surrounding historic district remain the heart
of the community. In the summer, friday night band concerts are enjoyed in
the Public Square Park as they have been since 1859. Throughout the year, a
wide variety of activities, businesses and restaurants invite residents and
visitors alike to experience Medina’s Public Square excitement and charm.
Main Street Medina is at the center of this activity and we welcome you to
our historic community.
