Welcome to Suite on Jackson

A place with a past, a present, and a story you’re now part of

When you stay with us at Cross-Key Vacation Rentals, our hope is that you feel more than comfortable. We want you to feel connected. Connected to the space around you, to the town outside your door, and to the many lives that have passed through these walls long before you arrived.

Our flagship property, Suite on Jackson, sits at 138 W Jackson Street in Millersburg, Ohio, right in what many call the heartbeat of Amish Country.  This isn’t just a place to sleep. It’s a boutique escape designed to slow you down, spark inspiration, and create meaningful moments with the people you love.

Because this building has been standing here for well over a century, and Downtown Millersburg is on the National Register of Historic Places, I thought it would be fun and meaningful to start tracing its story. My hope is that by sharing it, you’ll feel a deeper connection to the space you’re in and to the town that surrounds it.

So let’s step back in time together.

The Early Years: Circa 1900

Our building was constructed around 1900, at the turn of the twentieth century, during a time when Millersburg was growing into a bustling county seat.

We’re located just west of North Washington Street. Most historic photos of Millersburg tend to focus on East Jackson, which means our side of town doesn’t often make it into the spotlight. But there is one special photo from around 1910, taken looking west from the corner of Jackson and Washington.

If you look closely at the above image, you’ll notice the Village Offices as the first building on the right. Our property is actually connected to it, which is why they appear almost as one structure. The Village still has the distinctive bump-out window you see in that photo, and just to the left of it, you can spot two of our three second-floor windows, quietly watching history unfold.

A Building with Architectural Character

Suite on Jackson was built in the Romanesque Revival architectural style, which was popular for commercial buildings during that era.

This style is known for its strong presence and craftsmanship. You’ll often see thick masonry walls, dark brick or stone, rounded arches over doors and windows, and decorative details that were meant to last. While some buildings in town showcase this style more boldly, our building carries its own subtle charm.

You can still spot the corbel tables near the roofline and the arched windows at the rear of the property. Even where the arches aren’t obvious, the solid feel of the building tells the story of a time when things were built slowly, carefully, and to endure.

Following the Clues: W. J. Grassley

During renovation, we started uncovering small clues that hinted at who might have lived or worked here in the early days.

One of the most intriguing finds was an old shipping container fragment discovered in the basement with the name W. J. Grassle written on it. The spelling is slightly off, which makes sense given how shipping labels were often handwritten at the time. But the container itself is undeniably old.

Based on historical records, W. J. Grassley (William J. Grassley) was a well-known figure in Millersburg around the turn of the century. He served as Clerk of Courts for Holmes County in the late 1800s and early 1900s and was part of the Grassley-Neff firm, which handled real estate, insurance, and abstracting services.

Records from around 1900 indicate that he owned or resided at a property near the corner of North Washington and East Jackson, which places him right in our neighborhood. It’s very possible that his daily life once unfolded right here, whether as his living quarters or work space.

Owners, Homes, and Hidden History

Millersburg has many beautiful historic homes that don’t sit directly on the main streets. One such property is a brick Victorian home built around 1906, now home to the Holmes County Education Foundation. This home was built by and once belonged to, Hiram W Cary, a previous owner of our building.

If you wander over to North Clay Street, you’ll see several of these grand homes tucked quietly away, each with its own story.

Above is an early map of downtown Millersburg that shows building lots and their owners. Our building is Lot 80, just above and slightly to the right of the “N” in Jackson. Written inside that lot is the name H. W. Cary, suggesting he once owned the building as well. While details about him are scarce, we do know he built The Cary House.

A Consistent Purpose Through the Years

One thing we do know is that this building has always served the community. For over a century, there has been a retail shop on the street level and living quarters upstairs. Much like today, someone likely lived above their work, watching life on Jackson Street from those same windows.

Our Chapter Begins: 2008

In 2008, my husband Chad purchased the building. For many years, it remained a mixed-use space with a retail shop below and a long-term renter upstairs.

Then, in January 2022, we decided it was time to reimagine what this space could be.

Renovation and Rediscovery: 2022–2023

From January 2022 through May 2023, we completely renovated the building. It was a labor of love that took about a year and a half, working part-time during the week and full-time on the weekends. There were moments of exhaustion, excitement, and discovery. I will tell you more about our process in future posts.

We uncovered some true treasures along the way.

One was a section of old wallpaper with a fabric backing, likely burlap or cheesecloth. That detail alone told us it was special. The colors were rich, the black outlines slightly sparkled, and everything about it suggested age and care. Wallpaper like this was commonly used in the 1920s and 1930s, often applied over fabric to smooth walls and add insulation.

Another unforgettable find was a church choir booklet from 1904, discovered intact on top of a demolition pile. Since we removed everything down to the bones, it likely fell from a wall or ceiling, waiting decades to be found again.

Holding those pieces made the past feel very close.

Suite on Jackson Opens: May 2023

When we launched Suite on Jackson in May 2023, I had a clear vision. I wanted to create a space that felt beautiful, comfortable, and genuinely lived-in. Our original tagline said it best:
“We hope you’ll say, ‘I want to live here.’”

That’s exactly how we feel every time we spend time in this space.

Looking Ahead: A Boutique Experience That Keeps Growing

As we look toward the future, we’re continuing to evolve how we care for our guests and this building. Many properties offer beautiful decor and good communication, but we want to go further. We want to help you feel immersed and connected to the space you’re staying in.

Here’s a glimpse of what’s unfolding:

• Seasonal and holiday decorating, so the space feels fresh and thoughtful throughout the year
• Our CVR Boutique Store, where you can add special touches to your stay or find an activity
• A growing focus on curated, art-based design, featuring work by us and, in the future, other artists in which you will have the ability to purchase
• Continued blending of locally crafted pieces and items from earlier eras, honoring both place and history

This building has stood here for over a century. Now, for a short while, it could be yours too.

Thank you for being part of its story.

Escape Ordinary, Embrace Boutique Luxury