Author: Bryce Riggs

TIFFIN, OHIO – March 30, 2023 – Local business owners, Dave and Amber Spridgeon, renovated a 1913 church on Frost Parkway into a New York style deli.  The current space showcases original wood floors, a vaulted ceiling, stained-glass window, and chandeliers that simulate dawn and dusk on a cloud painted ceiling.

The Spridgeons dreamt up the idea of a New York style deli a year ago and wanted to add a fresh alternative to breakfast and lunch dining in Tiffin.

“A true New York style deli has hot soups, fresh salads by the pound, and two-fisted sandwiches,” said Dave Spridgeon, owner.

Keeping with a New York style, The Deli Café at Frost Village features salads made in-house daily, locally baked goods, deli sandwiches made with custom cut bread from the Detroit Bread Co., and meats and cheeses from Metro Deli.  Other local items on the menu include AJ’s house dressing, Ballreich’s potato chips (MST & Jolly’s), Ralph’s coffee, and Freeze Dried Ohio.  In addition to dining-in, customers may order menu items “to-go” as well as loaves of fresh bread, sliced deli meats and cheeses by the pound.

The deli’s 12 employees are referred to as “artists” as they prepare food on a stage for customers to view in sight.  Inside, the dining room seats 48 with a plan to add boutique umbrella style tables outdoors with 24 more seats.

In addition to The Deli Café at Frost Village, the Spridgeons introduced The Renaissance, The Pink Lady food truck, The Renaissance on Wheels, and new ownership of Jolly’s in 2021.

“Having the honor of owning the building previously, this location is near and dear to my heart!  I am so excited that she is being used again to her full potential!  Congratulations to Dave and Amber on their new adventure,” said Mayor Dawn Iannantuono.

The Deli Café at Frost Parkway is open for dining Monday – Saturday 8 a.m. – 3 p.m. and available to rent after hours for private events.  For more information visit www.frostdelicafe.com or find them on Facebook here.

TIFFIN, OHIO – March 23, 2023 – After purchasing 40 E. Perry Street in August of 2022 (formerly Tong’s Air Conditioning Heating & Plumbing), Financial Design Agency of Ohio opened their third location in a newly renovated 10,000 square-foot space in December 2022.

The 4,000-square-foot office space is designed to accommodate clients and community members in a casual “family gathering” atmosphere.  Exposed brick pillars, locally repurposed tree lumber, and a fully functioning kitchen were important details in the overall design of the space.

“I envisioned a casual kitchen environment where business relationships are able to gather like family,” said Weston Reinbolt, Investment Consultant & President.

Financial Design Agency of Ohio opened in 1992 in Fostoria with a satellite office in Findlay, OH.  Their third location in Downtown Tiffin employs three investment advisors, one administrative staff, and one insurance specialist.

“We are very excited for the team at Financial Design Agency of Ohio on their expansion in Downtown Tiffin. Their continued investment truly shows their dedication in providing a valuable service to our community,” said Mayor Dawn Iannantuono.

TIFFIN, OHIO – March 20, 2023 – During a meeting Tuesday, March 7, 2023, the Architectural Board of Review approved the first three downtown Façade Enhancement Grants of the year. The successful and award-winning program begins its tenth year.

The board approved a $9815.00 grant for the renovation of the Jac & Do’s storefront at 283 S. Washington Street, located on the corner of Melmore and S. Washington Street.

Property owner and downtown business owner Jan Valentine said, “We’ve been in this building for 53 years.  The Façade Grant helped encourage us to get our project going.”

The board approved a second grant for $9251.59 for balcony railing replacement, door/window repair, glazing and painting at 106 E. Perry St.  The property is owned by The Tiffin Elks #94.

A third grant was approved for Lee’s Floor Covering at 263 S. Washington St. in the amount of $5839.50 for awning replacement.

Mayor Dawn Iannantuno said, “I’m glad to see continued interest in the Facade Enhancement Program and that there are property owners investing in their historic buildings.”

City of Tiffin is updating the Facade Enhancement Program submission process to an online application, details of which will be coming soon.

TIFFIN, OHIO – Monday, February 13, 2023 – The Tiffin-Seneca Economic Partnership (TSEP) announced today that Donna Gross has been selected to be the next Downtown Tiffin Main Street Manager. Gross will be the second Main Street Manager in Downtown Tiffin’s history, following the departure of long-time manager Amy Reinhart.

Gross is a successful entrepreneur, owning her own small business, Relevé Barre Studio, with locations in Downtown Tiffin and Birmingham, Michigan. In addition, she serves on numerous downtown boards and committees including serving as co-chair of the successful Kris Kringle Markt this past December. Gross is a graduate of Heidelberg University with degrees in Business Administration and Public Relations and currently teaches there as an adjunct professor.

“I am excited to have the opportunity to be part of the TSEP team and look forward to helping with the continued growth of our wonderful Downtown,” said Gross.

Tiffin Mayor Dawn Iannantuono was excited by the hire. “I am delighted to see Donna become a member of the TSEP team, with her diverse background she will be a great asset to the team and to our community in her new role. I love her welcoming personality and know she will be able to hit the ground running on day one.”

TSEP President & CEO Aaron Montz echoed the Mayor’s comments. “I am thrilled to bring someone with the skills and talents of Donna to the team here at TSEP,” said Montz. “She already has strong connections with her fellow small business owners and understands the core mission of Downtown Tiffin.”

For the seventh year, Downtown Tiffin has been re-recognized by Heritage Ohio as a National Main Street Community. The Ohio Main Street Program, administered by Heritage Ohio, works with communities across the state to revitalize historic commercial areas. Based in historic preservation, it focuses on four points: organization, design, promotions, and economic vitality. Each point is an integral part of the successful revitalization of a downtown area.

The Ohio Main Street program is a partner of Main Street America. Accreditation is an honor that must be earned every year by meeting the program’s high standards as determined by an annual quality audit by state officials. With this distinction, Downtown Tiffin has received accreditation for its Main Street program at both the state and national level for 2016-2022.

Downtown Tiffin’s revitalization efforts continue to be validated and recognized throughout the state. Since becoming a Main Street Community in 2015, 69 new businesses have located in Downtown Tiffin and nearly $41 million in investment has occurred in the downtown.

In October, Downtown Tiffin was presented with four statewide awards by Heritage Ohio, The Spirit of Main Street was presented to Mary Lewis, Best Commercial Rehabilitation for a Small Community to the owners of 92 S Washington Street, Best Residential Rehab for properties at 24-25 Adams and 149 Frost Parkway, and Historic Farmstead of the Year to Arlington Acres. Since 2017, Downtown Tiffin has received twelve additional awards and one honorable mention from Heritage Ohio.

Tiffin Mayor Dawn Iannantuono supports the Main Street Program. “I’m glad to see the collaboration and hard work of the downtown committees and all local partners being recognized. Seven years being nationally accredited in the Main Street program is impressive and has made a positive impact on Downtown Tiffin.”

Program has now supported 100 building projects in Downtown Tiffin

During a meeting Tuesday, Oct. 5, the City of Tiffin Architectural Board of Review (ABR) approved façade grants for Bailiwicks and Behm & Henry. With these approvals, 100 building projects in Downtown Tiffin have now been approved by the ABR for the Façade Enhancement Program.

During the meeting, the board approved a $4,360 facade grant for Bailiwicks Coffee Co., 62 S. Washington St., for roof repair and door replacement; and a $10,000 grant for Behm & Henry, 185 S. Washington St., for roof replacement and skylight repair. Combined, the estimated cost of these projects is a $30,498 investment in Downtown Tiffin.

Mayor Aaron Montz was pleased with the announcement of the most recent façade grant projects, and especially with the program for hitting the milestone. “When we started this program in 2014, we had the vision of maintaining these historic properties in Downtown Tiffin, but also helping those building owners and businesses who are investing in our community. I couldn’t be more proud that we’ve been able to see 100 projects funded by this program, and expect we’ll keep seeing that number grow for years to come.”

The 2021 Façade Enhancement Program continues to be successful with 13 building project approvals for an investment of more than $245,000. Since the city-funded Façade Enhancement Program’s inception in 2014, 100 projects have been approved for a total downtown investment of more than $2.6 million.

Tiffin’s Director of Downtown Revitalization, Amy Reinhart, announced she will be leaving her position once the annual accreditation process for Main Street is completed in January. Reinhart had been at the helm of the organization since its creation in 2014, serving as the only director in program history.

“It has been my pleasure to be a part of the amazing transformation that has taken place in Downtown Tiffin over the last eight and a half years,” said Reinhart. “I’m pleased with the growth we have seen as a result of the Main Street program, and I feel I have accomplished my goals. It is time to bring in someone with a fresh vision, so our downtown continues to thrive.”

Tiffin-Seneca Economic Partnership President & CEO Aaron Montz added “While I am extremely disappointed to see Amy leave Downtown Tiffin, I am very happy for her and the time she will now have to spend with her wonderful family. Downtown Tiffin would not be what it is today if wasn’t for Amy’s passion and dedication.”

Reinhart shared that Downtown Tiffin is on the right trajectory, having finished 2022 with a record four state-wide awards won. “We have the right people in place to ensure this is a smooth transition so the next downtown leader can bring her or his ideas to the table and really hit the ground running,” said Reinhart. “I have the utmost confidence in our team of volunteers and the staff at TSEP; they have my full support as they look to continue to build momentum in the months ahead.”

Reinhart’s last day as Director of Downtown Revitalization will be Friday, January 6th and the search for her replacement will begin immediately. A job posting will be made publicly available on TSEP’s website (www.tiffinseneca.org) with resumes and cover letters being sent to Corrina Haynes, Director of Operations, at haynes@tiffinseneca.org prior to February 6th.

Downtown Tiffin Development Chair Nevin Martin commented, “Amy leaves big shoes for the next individual to fill. While we may find someone to match her passion and dedication, the institutional knowledge, and partnerships she has built will be difficult to replace.”

The White Family Charitable Fund and the Tiffin Community Foundation awarded grants for the fabrication of nearly 100 new light pole lights for Downtown Tiffin this holiday season. The grants provide a 50 percent match to the funds provided by the City of Tiffin toward an overall cost of nearly $42,000.

The snowflakes will replace the red and green lights that currently reside on the poles during the holidays and will brighten the downtown during the season while creating a sense of community pride and cohesiveness with the community branding image. The snowflakes with be mounted on permanent brackets on the poles for ease of installation and potential future seasonal décor, and are slated to be up in time for the tree lighting ceremony on December 2, 2022.

The Downtown Design Committee has been working with many local organizations to bring this project to fruition, including Arnold Machine, Clouse Electric, Sentinel Career and Technology Center, and Public Works with the City of Tiffin.

Mayor Dawn Iannantuono said, “This holiday season, we encourage people to come to Tiffin and shop locally, and this exciting project will further entice people to see everything that’s happening in Downtown Tiffin. Thank you to the White Family Charitable Fund and the Tiffin Community Foundation for helping to support this project and make our community shine!”

December 2022 – The Downtown Tiffin Marketing Committee under the Tiffin-Seneca Economic Partnership announced today that there will be a new holiday event – the Kris Kringle Markt on December 2 and 3. The festival will be an open-air holiday market highlighting German/Bavarian-inspired Christmas offerings.

Visitors can enjoy the sounds of live holiday music, the aroma of German food, late-night shopping, children’s activities, and the ambiance of an old-world German Christmas.

Court Street will be transformed to take on the traditional German Christmas market, or Weihnachtsmarkt feels, featuring local vendors in white tents adorned with holiday lights offering fresh greens, garland and wreaths, handcrafted gifts, Christmas ornaments, and more. Downtown restaurants and bars will feature German-style food and beer selections, mulled wine (Glühwein), and specialty hot chocolate beverages. Santa will be available for pictures at Pan Yan Bookstore, and several other activities will be spread throughout downtown including strolling Christmas carolers, live ice sculpture carvings, and a parking lot dedicated to donations for the Salvation Army of Tiffin. The RTA parking lot will feature live Christmas trees for sale that are being sponsored by local businesses along with a Boot, Hat, and Mitten drive. All proceeds from tree sales will go to the Salvation Army of Tiffin. The Christmas festival will also be hosting multiple food trucks to feature German food & drinks, such as Schmidt’s Sausage Truck.

Mayor Dawn Iannantuono said, “I’m excited to see a new event in Downtown Tiffin that will appeal to families and welcome people to experience our community. This is the perfect way for us to continue our celebration of Tiffin’s bicentennial!”

The Kris Kringle Markt will be open Friday, December 2nd from 5 pm – 10 pm in conjunction with the tree lighting and Saturday, December 3rd from 10 am – 3 pm in conjunction with the holiday parade. Follow along on our social media outlets to stay up to date and learn more. Facebook @KrisKringleMarktTiffin, Instagram @kriskringlemarkttiffinoh

Tuesday, the Architectural Board of Review (ABR) approved two Façade Enhancement Grants for the buildings located at 40 Perry Street and at St. Joseph Catholic Church, along with a Sign Enhancement Grant for Pan Yan Bookstore.

The ABR approved a grant of $10,000 for restoration work on the stained-glass windows at St. Joseph Catholic Church, and a grant of $4,200 for painting and lighting at 40 Perry Street. These projects closed out the Façade Enhancement Grant for 2022 with approved grants for 14 buildings in Downtown Tiffin and a total investment of nearly $340,000.

Mayor Dawn Iannantuono said, “It is exciting to see that the city’s façade program continues to create a significant return on investment for our community. I would like to thank all of the building owners who continue to invest in Downtown Tiffin.”

Since the Façade Enhancement Program’s inception in 2014, 116 projects have been approved for a total downtown investment of nearly $3.3 million.

The annual Downtown Tiffin Trick or Treat event is planned for Oct. 20, from 4-6 pm as the Downtown Tiffin Third Thursday event.

Seneca County residents are encouraged to bring their little ones to stop at Downtown Tiffin businesses to collect treats and explore everything going on in the community. Residents will also have the opportunity to vote for their favorite Halloween décor in the business decorating contest during the event. The winning business will be announced on the Downtown Tiffin Facebook page Monday, Oct 24.

While residents are downtown, they can enjoy Halloween themed artwork designed and built by the Tiffin Columbian High School art students. Freshmen through seniors will be creating site specific artwork geared toward the young trick or treat crowd for their enjoyment. Over 40 different large-scale sculptures made of paper mache, metal, and more will be featured throughout downtown, since students were encouraged to be resourceful with their building materials and creative with their designs.

Tiffin Mayor Dawn Iannantuono said, “The Downtown Trick or Treat is a great opportunity for the community to see all that is going on with the businesses in our downtown. I’m especially excited that this year’s event will give Tiffin Columbian students a chance to participate and show off their creativity.”

For more information, visit www.downtowntiffinevents.com or search for “Downtown Trick or Treat” on Facebook.

Third Thursdays are sponsored by Reineke Family Dealerships and UIS Insurance and Investments.