Although we understand the concerns of Barnesville residents who opposed the demolition of several structures in the center of the community’s historic downtown district, we were pleased to learn that the site will soon be home to a new development designed to mesh with the character of that area.

Earlier this month, it was announced that an office building will be built at the northwest corner of Main and Chestnut Streets at an estimated cost of $3.5 million. The developer — T.J. Jefferis — is a well-known village resident who has already worked on a variety of projects in the community. He is working in conjunction with JobsOhio, Ohio Southeast Economic Development, the Belmont County Port Authority and the village itself to bring a new 10,000-square-foot building to the heart of the downtown, creating 15 new jobs.

The structure will replace four vacant buildings that the village had purchased with plans to raze them and install additional parking. We believe a new office facility will be a bigger asset to the community than a parking lot would have been.

Barnesville Village Council President Tony Johnson said he believes the new building will mimic the architecture of surrounding structures, such as the Bradfield Building that was built between 1888 and 1891 to house the First National Bank of Barnesville. Today, it is home to Ohio Hills Health Centers.

Designing the new structure to blend with and enhance the adjacent buildings that are listed on the National Register of Historic Places is a wise choice. It should help the business district maintain a cohesive look and feel, maintaining the small-town charm of the district where small shops, restaurants and offices for lawyers, accountants and more can be found.

Kudos to all who are involved in this project.