Former Bank to Double in Size, Become Retail Center

The owner of the former FirstMerit Bank branch at the corner of Graham and Fishcreek roads is planning a redevelopment that will double the size of the building.

Both Stow City Council and the Stow Planning Commission recently signed off on plans to add 3,400 square feet of space to the 3,117-square-foot building at 3027 Graham Road.

Walid Lababidi, managing member of TWL Stow, LLC, which owns the property, is planning the expansion to create four, 1,500 square feet retail suites, according to plans submitted to the city.

The addition will feature an exterior brick veneer, and the existing building will be remodeled to match the new construction. Plans also call for a clock tower element.

The building stands on property separate from the Crossroads at Fishcreek Plaza.

Parking will include 28 spaces accessible from the adjacent plaza circulation drives.

The planning commission voted unanimously to approve the plan June 25, and city council voted to approve it June 27.

Stow Planning Commission member Chris Brauer called the proposal a “good-looking plan,” according to minutes from the meeting.

“I think this is going to be a nice enhancement to that corner,” he said.