An interview with Todd Alexander of Newark Station
Perched atop the roof of the former Mid-State Warehouse, his gaze directed down West Main Street toward Newark’s Courthouse Square, Todd Alexander is Michelangelo examining a block of marble. Alexander has a crystal-clear vision. In a lifeless cluster of steel and brick, he sees beauty; feels, in his bones, a sense of urgency that it be shared with the world — or, at least, greater central Ohio. Alexander sees it all and, like the great sculptor, has spent months diligently chipping away. Bit by bit he will continue, until his vision is complete.
Alexander is no stranger to real estate development. A native of Pittsburgh, he attended Ohio State University to obtain a degree in engineering. He spent more than three decades at the Columbus-based Continental Building Company, serving as president for 24 years and overseeing the development of sites such as Columbus’s Lennox Town Center.
In 2020, he retired from Continental and launched A4 Ragtime Band Development with an aim to help breathe life into sites within his community. A three-acre property to the west of the shuttered Westinghouse factory on West Main Street caught his eye, and he went to see it with no intention of purchasing the adjacent buildings.
Sold on the potential of what could be but not blind to the colossal amount of work that would accompany it, Alexander and Ragtime purchased the 10-acre site, which extends along West Main Street from Raccoon Creek to 11th Street, in December 2020 for $425,000.
“I don't worry about the skeptics. I have my own goals and I have my own tolerance for what I feel is going to happen and the success of it. And that's my measuring stick,” he said. “I don't need to make a fortune. I just need to make it work. And I truly believe that this community deserves it.”
Newark Station
Experience Licking County Like a Local…
Imagine the thrill you get when you find that “hidden gem” of a place. You know — the hole-in-the-wall antique shop where you found a Christmas present for your hard-to-shop-for friend; the BEST burger in town, and the best vibe in which to enjoy it; the kind of place that’s a closely guarded local secret and you feel special just for being in on it.
Psst: We’ve found a few of those places, and we’ve decided they deserve a minute in the spotlight. Whether you’ve lived in the area for six months or six decades, make sure you add these stops to your “must-see” destinations, because now you know you’ll be missing out if you don’t.
We understand that we’re living in the digital age, but that fact just makes the idea of a small-town bookstore even more special. What started as a unique, hands-on job training opportunity for people with special needs — dubbed “Kicks Mix” because it’s punchy and easy to pronounce — has become a beloved fixture in downtown Newark, both for its vast book selection and its two unofficial feline mascots, “Edgar Allen Paws” and “Margaret Catwood.”
Stop in and do some browsing. Need that new release you’ve been dying to read? Let Kicks Mix track it down for you. Just looking for a chill place to spend a rainy Saturday? Bring the kids! Since it made its appearance in downtown Newark in 2014, Kicks Mix has blended seamlessly into the fabric of downtown life, offering a wide selection of books in a cozy, eclectic setting that is equal parts inviting and inspiring.
More than that, this locally owned shop regularly partners with other downtown businesses to cultivate an atmosphere of community that helps everyone succeed — whether it’s downtown scavenger hunts for Where’s Waldo, donating a portion of proceeds to help local organizations or hosting book folding workshops, Kicks Mix is a must-visit for book lovers of all ages.
Once you’ve found a favorite book or six, it’s time to continue the treasure hunt — and what better way than to sneak a glance at one of downtown Newark’s up-and-coming hidden gems?
In its past life in the early 1900s, the Newark Arcade — the skylit corridor tucked between the buildings on the west side of Newark’s Courthouse Square — was home to everything from livery stables to a rumored speakeasy.
According to the Newark Development Partners, which purchased the 110-year-old property between Third and Fourth Streets in November 2019, “In its prime, The Arcade was full of life. Children played around the fountain (removed decades ago) and orchestras played from the balconies overlooking the Arcade, filling the area with music. Dances were a regular occurrence except for Sundays. Over the years, the Arcade has housed a variety of retail businesses including clothing, meat, cheese, restaurants, bars, and artists.”
Though time and the economy have taken their toll on the property, NDP aims to bring it back to life and resurrect some of the happy scenes from bygone days, to make The Arcade a hub of activity once again.
When completed, this city block-long property could host dozens of businesses, restaurants, housing and possibly a winter farmer’s market, among other things.
“The objective is to do it right and bring The Arcade back to its original luster with the flag pole, parapet wall, arched window designs, front window displays sections and refurbished façade on the east side,” NDP reports.
While the process is still underway, take a minute to peek through the window to see the latest, or stop in with your littles to the adjacent indoor play cafe and dream about what the future might hold for this brimming-with-potential space.
Wait a sec. Is it just us, or does all this dreaming work up an appetite for something outside-of-the-bun?
There are solutions for that. Originally opened in a small carry-out space along an otherwise colorless block of businesses on Newark’s East Main Street, Baba’s Grill has seen hard-earned success. From the early days of slinging fresh gyros out of a tiny kitchen to its new dine-in location at 19 S. Park Place, Baba’s has earned a loyal fanbase by staying true to its fresh roots.
“Everything is made fresh. Order comes in, order comes up,” said owner Omar Babieh, who together with his brother, Alaa Babieh, got into the restaurant business because of fond childhood memories of their mother cooking.
Baba’s specializes in all things meat — picture delicate layers of philly steak, pastrami, corned beef reuben — along with a selection of fresh-cut fries and a healthy selection of side dishes.
Take it from the locals — once you find your favorite, you’ll keep coming back (global pandemic be darned).
“I have customers, they come in daily or every other day,” Babieh said. “They have been supportive the whole time.”
As for the gyros from Baba’s original location? Don’t despair — you can still find them at 56 West Main Street, where Skorpio’s Gyros serves up fluffy pitas heaped with layers of thin-sliced gyro meat, drizzled with a signature gyro sauce.
Under Alaa Babieh’s watchful eye, Skorpio’s keeps with the family tradition of freshness and quality in all of its dishes.
Their downtown location has been drawing loyal customers since 2017, and they can’t imagine being anywhere else.
If your wallet’s feeling a bit drained after a day of excursions, head over to a place where you can spend smartly — and help local pets find their “furever home.”
You can feel extra good about the purchases you make from Sophie’s Thrift Store in Heath, knowing that proceeds support the Licking County Humane Society’s mission to find homes for local cats and dogs. LCHS is a non-profit, no-kill shelter that relies on donations to provide services to the community.
Be sure to stay tuned to the Sophie’s Facebook page, which regularly posts updates and specials; if you’re looking to de-stash, Sophie’s also accepts donationations of gently used clothing, furniture and household goods.
After a day of exploration, it’s time to find a place to grab a drink, relax and unwind; fortunately, DankHouse Brewing is ideally situated for all of the above.
Opened by Newark natives Josh and Heather Lange in 2017, DankHouse is a testament to the power of determination. The Langes hadn’t known anything about brewing beer until they opted to pursue the craft themselves rather than merely selling it at a carry-out location, as had been their original business plan.
With a laid-back atmosphere and healthy dose of fun that shows up everywhere from its beer can labels to its decor, the family-owned brewery-and-beyond has made a name for itself on an 8.5-acre plot off Newark’s Forry Street. Specializing in IPAs, fruited sours and stouts, Dankhouse boasts a 1,200-square-foot taproom and similar-sized brewery, where visitors are invited to sample such delicacies as the Pricky Icky Icky fruited sour and the Super Fantastic IPA.
The kitchen, MNCHS, serves up street tacos, smash burgers, and brunch on Sundays, and a 9-hole disc golf course along with regular live entertainment ensures that there’s no shortage of things to do (in case you were concerned, but we doubt it).
So grab a cold one, find a spot, listen to the music and be thankful for a day full of local wins. Congratulations — you’re one of us now.
