Historic Oswald Kamm Building Sold to Public House Owners, Marking New Chapter in Kamm’s Corners

A cornerstone of Cleveland’s Kamm’s Corners neighborhood is beginning a new chapter. The historic building located at 17209 Lorain Ave., at the corner of Rocky River Drive in West Park, has been sold to the ownership group behind Public House, ensuring the future of a property deeply rooted in the area’s history.

The building, which once served as the original storefront for Oswald Kamm, a prominent early West Park businessman and namesake of Kamm’s Corners, has long been a recognizable neighborhood landmark. James Carney, managing partner of Kamms Plaza, sold the property to the Public House ownership group, which also owns the building that houses the popular neighborhood restaurant.

“This is a really special moment for us,” said Therese Chambers Arth, Public House co-owner. “To have the opportunity to purchase a building with this much history, right here in the heart of West Park, is incredibly meaningful. We’re proud to become stewards of a property that helped shape Kamm’s Corners and can’t wait to see what the future holds.”

The Public House and building ownership team also consists of Kevin Arth, Mike Graven, Joyce Sizer and Sean Hearns.

“We’re extremely thankful to James Carney, Lisa Kay and their team, KeyBank, Cleveland City Councilman Slife and our legal counsel, Mike O’Malley, for helping make this possible,” said Hearns. “This was truly a collaborative effort. We’re now taking the time to evaluate next steps and will share more details once plans are finalized.”

Councilman Slife, who represents Ward 15, welcomed the transition and highlighted its importance to the neighborhood.

“This historic property is being transferred into the caring hands of longtime business owners who are deeply invested in Kamm’s Corners,” Slife said. “It’s exciting to see this corner poised for revitalization in a way that respects the past while looking toward the future.”

Lisa Kay, representing seller James Carney, said the transaction ensures the building’s legacy will continue.

“Our team is extremely happy to have found a buyer who truly values this property and its place in West Park,” Kay said. “We’re confident that Therese, Kevin, Sean, Joyce and Mike will work diligently to bring another treasured business to the neighborhood and continue this historic building’s long legacy of serving the community.”

The new ownership is evaluating potential uses for the building and will share additional details as plans take shape.