Former library can be ‘catalyst’ for redevelopment of Middletown neighborhood

The owner of the former Carnegie Library understands why people may think he’s not making any progress renovating the 108-year-old property in the city’s Oakland neighborhood.

The exterior of the former public library — neglected since it became vacant about 20 years ago — appears about the same today as it did when Dan Mayzum purchased it in June 2018.

Mayzum, owner of Architecture Renewal, bought the building and land at 1320 First Ave. for $5,000, or $90,000 less than it was appraised in 2017 by the Butler County Auditor’s Office.

He remains enthusiastic about the future of the 17,000-square-foot building that may be converted into a brewery, restaurant, bar, meeting and banquet rooms.

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