Liberty Beall Project breaks ground in Wooster

A groundbreaking ceremony was held on March 15 for the Liberty Beall Project spearheaded by local entrepreneurs Matt Long, Mike Mariola, and Chad Boreman. The project consists of approximately 16,000 square feet of new construction that will include retail, residential, and restaurant space.

While the project may seem like it is just getting off of the ground, plans for the new building have been years in the making, according to Boreman.

“We appreciate you coming here today for the groundbreaking of a project that has been in the queue for a long time. While for many of you it feels like the beginning, it’s closer to the finish line for us,” said Long.

The project will also feature a casual Italian restaurant — owned and operated by Mike Mariola — on the ground floor with eight loft apartments above. If the project moves forward as planned, Long and Boreman hope to have tenants in the loft apartments by the end of the year, and Mariola is planning on opening in early 2023.

Dan Starcher is a public communications specialist for the Wayne County government.