COhatch, City of Kettering, the Schiewetz Foundation and Kettering City Schools Come Together to Save and Restore the Historic D.L. Barnes Building

1929 landmark is being revitalized as a mixed-use community workspace for COhatch and Kettering City Schools

DUBLIN and KETTERING, Ohio, Sept. 9, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- COhatch, the economic developer of historical properties and coworking company, and its partners –  City of Kettering, the Schiewetz Foundation and Kettering City Schools – have joined forces to preserve and revitalize the historic D.L. Barnes Building, located at 3750 Far Hills Ave. Once slated for demolition, construction is now underway to transform the Barnes Building into a new vibrant community hub. This marks the 38^th building restoration and transformation for COhatch.

The newly created four-way public-private partnership will transform the building into a modern, multi-use community space for coworking and events, alongside new administrative offices for Kettering City Schools. Once revitalized, the building will host a variety of events and activities, such as cultural experiences and recreational sports. The Barnes Building was originally built as Kettering's first high school in 1929, before being repurposed as a junior high school, followed by a central board of education offices. 

"This is the kind of story every community wants — saving a historic building, protecting its legacy, and turning it into something new and meaningful for the next generation," said Matt Davis, CEO and co-founder of COhatch. "We were founded on the principles of giving back and making a difference in the communities that we serve, and the iconic Barnes Building is a great example of our mission at work. Our ultimate goal is to create a sense of belonging, purpose and well-being for our members and the greater community."

The $16.5 million project envisions multiple phases of redevelopment, starting with community-focused spaces for entrepreneurs, startups, non-profits and growing businesses along with the future restoration of the auditorium and other community amenities.

Through a collaborative effort supported by private investment, philanthropic contributions and state and federal funding, the transformation of the Barnes property has been made possible, reflecting the preservation of an important piece of community history. It also creates new opportunities for education, workforce development, and community use. The restoration will be completed without an increase in city taxes or the use of school district funds and is expected to deliver long-term financial benefits with the district projected to spend less annually on its new headquarters than it currently pays to lease office space.

"The revitalized Barnes facility will become more than just a building — it will be a gathering place, a business incubator and a living connection to Kettering's past and future," said Kettering City Manager Matt Greeson. "The project involves multiple phases of redevelopment, starting with a Kettering City Schools administrative space and a COhatch featuring coworking, meeting and event space. Future phases will restore the auditorium and other community amenities as funding is raised."

"Bringing our District's central offices and our enrollment department back home into a district-owned building—especially one being revitalized at no cost to our school district—is a powerful statement about our commitment as good fiscal stewards," said Mindy McCarty-Stewart, Superintendent of Kettering City Schools. "Preserving a beautiful, historic piece of Kettering's identity, while bringing our central staff together creates a lasting benefit for our students, staff and families. This is an incredible win for our city and all it represents for present and future residents." 

Integral to the project is the Schiewetz Foundation, a Dayton-area philanthropic organization dedicated to advancing economic development, education, historic preservation, leadership development, and the arts throughout Ohio's Miami Valley region.

"The Barnes Building is more than a historic landmark. It is a symbol of the community's legacy and future potential," said Schiewetz Foundation President Richard Schwartz. "We are partnering with COhatch and local community leaders to save and repurpose this important asset and ensure it continues to serve the community. This collaborative effort demonstrates what is possible when public, private, and philanthropic organizations unite around a shared vision to preserve history and create lasting community value." 

The reimagined Barnes Building is expected to open in late 2027.

COhatch brings a proven track record of adaptive reuse and historic revitalization projects, including an award-winning restoration of the historic Westerville Armory in suburban Columbus, Ohio. Many of the rehabilitated buildings offer unique spaces and features such as podcast and theatre rooms, game rooms, and indoor/outdoor spaces in mostly walkable neighborhoods.

Once open, members can access all COhatch resources such as its 6,000 member community, hundreds of coworking and meeting spaces, dozens of work locations, free personal events in COhatch spaces, coffee/tea and water service, discounts at its Florida beach house, 24/7 access and much more.

EDITOR'S NOTE: On September 10 from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m., COhatch and its partners are hosting a Community Open House at 3750 Far Hills Ave. The event is open to the public. Register to attend here.

About Kettering City Schools

The Kettering City School District is a vibrant learning community located in Montgomery County, Ohio, serving approximately 7,500 pre-K through 12th-grade students. Comprising an early childhood education center, eight elementary schools, Kettering Fairmont Middle School and Kettering Fairmont High School, the district is committed to guaranteeing a superior educational experience by providing positive, innovative learning environments for every student who walks through our doors. In partnership with families and the local community, Kettering City Schools delivers comprehensive academic, career-technical, AP, and International Baccalaureate opportunities, as well as a full range of music, athletic, and additional extracurricular programming designed to empower every Firebird for post-secondary success. To learn more, visit www.ketteringschools.org.

About City of Kettering

Home to nearly 58,000 residents, the City of Kettering is a vibrant, service-focused community in southwest Ohio and the largest suburb of Dayton, Ohio. Kettering is known for its strong neighborhoods, quality public services and convenient access to employment, education, health care, shopping and entertainment. Named for renowned inventor Charles F. Kettering, the City still reflects his innovative spirit in a diverse economy spanning health care, biosciences, manufacturing and other major industries. Committed to responsive, fiscally responsible municipal services, Kettering fosters a welcoming community where residents, businesses and visitors can thrive. The City's award-winning parks, recreation and cultural arts department provides a wealth of recreational, entertainment and cultural opportunities. 

About the Schiewetz Foundation

The Schiewetz Foundation supports charitable organizations throughout Ohio's Miami Valley region that advance economic development and entrepreneurship, higher education, leadership training, historical preservation, and the performing arts. Established in honor of entrepreneur and philanthropist Richard Schiewetz, the foundation invests in initiatives that create opportunities for individuals and communities to thrive through hard work, innovation, and leadership. Through strategic grantmaking and community partnerships, the foundation seeks to strengthen the region's long-term economic and cultural vitality.

About COhatch  

COhatch is a thriving ecosystem designed to create opportunities and empower thousands of non-profits, startups, small businesses, and freelancers—giving them a place to work where they belong, pursue their ambitions and lead fuller, healthier lives. Members enjoy access to services, event spaces, activities, and amenities that integrate work, family, well-being, and community impact. Founded in 2016 in Columbus, Ohio by a group of friends inspired to build better lives and stronger neighborhoods, COhatch has grown into a hub of innovation, collaboration and connection, helping to anchor and uplift local economies. Learn more at www.cohatch.com and follow COhatch on Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn.

Media contact:
Janet Brumfield
IdealPR+ for COhatch
614.582.9636
[email protected] 

SOURCE COhatch