OBERLIN — The city’s downtown streetscape — with buildings bordering the sidewalk — may be soon creeping a little further south on South Main Street.

A small bank and retail complex are planned for the site of the former Clark Lumber property at 260 S. Main St., city officials said.

Hudson-based Cambridge Development has been discussing the project with the city in hopes of purchasing the land, according to City Manager Eric Norenberg.

No purchase price is set for the nearly 1.3-acre site, which is adjacent to the bike path and across the street from McDonald’s.

On Monday night, Council rezoned the land from light industrial to commercial downtown district zoning.

That means any building would have to be flush with the sidewalk — just like you would see downtown — and buildings have to be 20 feet high or two stories.

If the project becomes a reality, Norenberg said offices or residences could potentially be built on the second floor.

He views the development as a positive step because it would provide jobs and benefit the neighborhood with potential shopping options, he said.

Clark Lumber closed in the 1990s, and the city purchased the property because it needed part of the land to provide access to Oberlin Municipal Light & Power System, according to Norenberg.

About half an acre was split from the original Clark Lumber property to guarantee that access, he said. 

Realtor Douglas McGee, who represents Cambridge Development, declined comment on plans for the site.

Contact Cindy Leise at 329-7245 or cleise@chroniclet.com.

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