Chase Bank unveils renovated historic Granville building
For the past 164 years, the building at 116 E. Broadway has housed restaurants, a grocery store and even apartments. Now, the building is taking on new life after Chase Bank spent more than a year extensively renovating the historic building.
Chase celebrated its new location in Granville, just a few doors down from its previous location at 136 E. Broadway, with a reception for Chase employees and community members Tuesday morning.
Mayor Melissa Hartfield said she always worries about what might happen when a notable building in the village comes up for sale, but she is extremely pleased with the renovation Chase has done. She said not many organizations spend as much money as Chase did to make the building structurally sound and cosmetically pleasing again.
“In my opinion, this is more of a matter of the heart,” she said.
The building was most recently called Donatos, but it closed in October 2021 and stood vacant until Chase purchased it for $2.2 million in November 2022. Extensive renovations have been underway since spring 2023.
The building dates back to 1860, but has been converted into a bright, modern office. The main desk is at the back of the ground floor, and offices and conference rooms line the perimeter. The second floor remains open and overlooks the ground floor, and includes more offices and meeting rooms. Chase has not yet renovated the third floor.
Chase officials did not disclose how much the bank spent on the renovation.
Branch manager Brandon Grace said that since the bank opened at 116 E. Broadway about three weeks ago, customers have shared their own stories with the building, which has housed various commercial and residential establishments over its 164-year history. One customer said her family lived in a second-floor apartment as a child; another customer said his father enlisted in the U.S. Marines on the second or third floor of the building just before World War II.
Grace said others have told stories about birthday parties, baby showers and wedding rehearsal dinners — including his own — all held at 116 E. Broadway. He said the bench isn’t trying to replace the memories people have in that space, but to complement them.
While the bank looks different from its previous, smaller location at 136 E. Broadway, its commitment to the community has not changed, Grace said.
“We are still here to be the bank for everyone, to enjoy the trust of our communities and to be the most straightforward business partner,” he said.
740-607-2175
