An 8,000 SF historic renovation bringing big-city amenities and remote-work flexibility to the heart of downtown Bellefontaine.
Project Overview
Located at 137-139 W. Columbus Avenue, this 8,000 SF redevelopment project serves as a cornerstone of Bellefontaine’s modern economic strategy. Over a 9-month construction timeline and with a $1.2M investment, Small Nation transformed a deteriorating historic structure into a three-story coworking hub complete with a rooftop patio.
The facility was designed to meet the growing demand for flexible work, featuring 14 private offices, dedicated desks, high-tech conference rooms, and a professional podcast studio.
From Chinese Restaurant to Tech-Forward Hub
Before its transformation, the building was a patchwork of neglect. The ground floor was home to a beloved local Chinese restaurant that had been shuttered for over two decades. The upper floors—originally built as professional office suites in the late 19th century—had been converted into makeshift living quarters for restaurant staff before falling into a state of total disrepair.
The renovation uncovered and restored the building’s “hidden gems,” most notably a gorgeous historic staircase that had been obscured for years. By stripping away decades of peeling paint and opening shuttered windows, the design team flooded the space with natural light, turning a dark, vacant relic into a vibrant center for productivity.
A Strategic Move for Small-Town Growth
Small Nation recognized that “rural brain drain” could be reversed by providing the infrastructure high-earning remote professionals require. BUILD Cowork + Space was created to prove that coworking isn’t just for metropolitan centers—it’s a tool for small-town revitalization.
The goal was to develop people as much as places. By offering 24/7 access, high-speed broadband, and professional meeting spaces, BUILD allows residents to keep their “big city” jobs while enjoying a “small town” quality of life.
Design, Amenities, and Community
The interior footprint was optimized to balance privacy with collaboration. The layout includes:
- 14 Private Offices: For established businesses and focused work.
- Executive Boardrooms: Equipped with top-of-the-line video conferencing technology.
- The Podcast Studio: Providing professional audio recording capabilities for local creators.
- Lifestyle Features: A shared kitchen, free coffee, a community lounge, and a rooftop patio outfitted with sofas for client entertaining.
Integration with the local community was key. Small Nation partnered with The Flying Pepper, a privately owned Mexican restaurant located at the building’s doorstep. The two entities share space during busy weekend evenings, creating a seamless blend of work and hospitality.
Scaling the Vision
Since opening its doors in March 2021, the demand for space has been so high that the brand has already expanded. The Opera Suites by BUILD was added nearby to accommodate the overflow of professionals seeking private suites.
The success of the Bellefontaine model has led to a brand licensing program, allowing other small towns to replicate this success. A second location opened in Marysville, Ohio, in 2024, proving that this strategic approach to “Commercial Mixed Use” can be a catalyst for growth across the region.
Recognition & Impact
“The Revival team has that small town work ethic, but that big city vision and that big city capability. We absolutely love historic buildings, and it takes a really special team to be able to unlock their potential.”
— Jason Duff, Founder of Small Nation
- Project Type: Office & Coworking, Commercial Mixed Use, Historic Preservation
- Featured In: Columbus Underground, Greater Ohio Policy Center
- Award Worthy: Recognized as a “shining example” of what urban redevelopment can look like in a rural context.
