Photo by Randi Walle.

The Flint Station Market in Worthington is now home to a new business that is part market, part bar, and part event space. What has been known as Flint Carry Out and Top of Flint for the past several decades will now be known as The Market at Flint Station. The almost 130-year old building is located at 225 Park Rd.

Sisters-in-law LeighAnn Guagenti and Gracie Guagenti purchased the old building earlier this year. Prior to their ownership, the building had a long history in retail. Erected in the 1890s by the Crowner family, the original purpose was a community market, with the upper level being the residence for the family. Although not the original train station, its proximity to the tracks provided lots of traffic. The Crowners also owned a park across the street where travelers and customers would take their fresh market items for a picnic.

During the prohibition, part of the upper level was turned into one of the first speakeasies in the area, known as Top of Flint. In the 1970s, two men who had been kicked out of all of the local bars purchased the building so they would have somewhere to drink. Mack and Andy operated the bar upstairs and turned the lower level into Flint Carry Out. The building remained as the bar and carry out, through ownership changed in the 1990s, until this past August when the Guagentis purchased it.

The building is undergoing renovations to return it to its original state. With the help of local contractors, painters, and craftsmen, the Guagentis are restoring the floors, walls, and doors to look much like the market did over a century ago when the Crowners occupied the space. The lower level is being turned from the carry out back into a market space where fresh, local goods will be offered. There will be a barista serving locally-sourced coffee, and well-known brands like Jeni’s, Black Radish, Sassafras, and Boar’s Head will be available in the Market. The market also houses the first and oldest beer cave in the state of Ohio and will carry over 450 brews.

The speakeasy and former bar will be updated into a more modern bar serving craft beer and cocktails. The former living quarters upstairs will become an event space for hosting showers, parties, yoga, sip and paint nights, and other events in partnership with local businesses. The market will regularly host live musicians and offer food truck options. Eventually, the outdoor area will be turned into a beer garden.

The Market at Flint Station is hosting a grand opening on Oct. 27, with live music, food, and drinks. For more information, visit their website themarketatflintstation.com.