Former Wooster scrap yard transformed into new hub for local business growth

The corner at Mechanicsburg, Liberty and Old Mansfield roads in Wooster is shedding its past as a scrap yard and being revitalized into a hub for local business. A three-party partnership officially acquired the property in September and has begun the work of repurposing the site.

The ownership group comprises Chad Williams, owner of 5 Star Lawn Care & Landscaping, and partners Justin Starlin and Jeff Baker, who co-own the warehouse and distribution company Compak. The companies are based in Wooster. 

Starlin initially had the property under option for over a year, seeing its potential due to its location and bones, but he hadn't finalized a plan for its use. The breakthrough came when he ran into Williams at a local Mexican restaurant. Williams mentioned his immediate need for expansion space, setting the stage for a connection.

"He was out of space and looking for more room either at his current location or he was going to have to relocate," Starlin said.

The chance meeting led the three to join forces to acquire the property and formulate a reuse plan.

The group presented their plan to the Wooster City Planning Commission in August, outlining the facility's primary use as the new headquarters for 5 Star Lawn Care & Landscaping. Williams plans to centralize his operations at the new location, utilizing all the square footage for his landscaping business including dispatch for his 40- to 50-person crew.

The early days of the acquisition have focused heavily on securing and improving the neglected property.

"The building was in pretty rough shape," Starlin said, "and our focus has been on getting in and solidifying the property so that it can thrive for many years. From roof repair to interior improvements, most of the property has seen some form of attention or improvement over the last couple months."

Likewise, the grounds have been cleared of overgrowth, and miscellaneous mounds of dirt have been leveled, signaling the change to come.

"There's still a lot of work to do," Baker said, "but we're glad with how the facility looks and are going to continue to invest in the property in the coming years."

While 5 Star Lawn Care & Landscaping will be the anchor tenant, the partners have larger long-term ambitions for the property. A key part of the plan is the establishment of a materials division of 5 Star Lawn Care & Landscaping. This division will utilize the infrastructure including the former metal storage bins to provide landscape supplies, aggregate, plants and shrubs. The goal is to serve both the general consumer looking for materials for their home projects and larger landscape operations seeking hard-to-source materials locally.

Sales of material at the facility are slated to begin in spring 2026. Additionally, the property includes around 10 acres of good industrial ground, which the group intends to develop for other businesses.

"It just needs a little bit of vision, some investment and some elbow grease, and we are confident that this property will go from being an eyesore to a clean and productive piece of property," Starlin said.

The immediate goal is to have 5 Star Lawn Care & Landscaping fully operating out of the facility by December.