TIFFIN, OHIO – May 9, 2023 – Tiffin, Ohio – During a Downtown Tiffin building renovation project, Tiffin Capital Investments discovered a stunning mural dating back to 1895.

The mural, originally an exterior wall of the adjacent building, was uncovered while removing plaster on the second floor at 31 Court Street.   Tiffin Capital Investments restored and preserved the mural as part of the apartment loft renovation project. The discovery showcases the building’s history and serves as a reminder of the city’s rich heritage.

In addition to the mural, a storefront renovation will be completed with the recent approval of the city’s Façade Enhancement Grant program. The renewed façade will help to improve the building’s exterior appearance and restore 31 Court Street in Tiffin, Ohio, to its former glory.

Kip Kieffer, co-owner of Tiffin Capital Investments, expressed his excitement about the project, stating, “We are thrilled to be part of the effort to preserve Tiffin’s rich history by restoring this historic building. The renovations will continue to enhance the Downtown Tiffin redevelopment and the East Green/Court Street area of town.”

Mayor Dawn Iannantuono also expressed her support for the restoration project, saying, “What a cool discovery to have found without ever realizing it was there! Thank you, Tiffin Capital Investments, for preserving our heritage while investing in our downtown!”

The façade restoration project at 31 Court Street is set to begin soon and is expected to be completed by the end of the year. Tiffin Capital Investments is committed to preserving the history and character of Tiffin while investing in its future.

For more information about Tiffin Capital Investments and its restoration projects, please contact Andy Faber at tiffincapitalinvestmentsllc@gmail.com

TIFFIN, OHIO – April 25, 2023 –

Tiffin, OH – The Downtown Tiffin community is excited to announce the return of the popular Barking Lot Party on May 18, 2023. The event will take place from 5:00 pm to 8:00 pm in the parking lots behind the Laird Building, Croghan Colonial Bank, and City Lot 7.  The 3^rd Thursday event will feature live music, local food vendors, and activities for the entire family, including pet friendly specials and giveaways from multiple local businesses.

“Our Third Thursdays are always popular events.  On the next one, we welcome our furry friends to Downtown Tiffin,” said Mayor Dawn Iannontuono.

City Lot #7 will host food trucks, community vendors and No Eileen DJ, Paul Grover.  The lot will be closed off from parking, although all other city lots will be open for public parking.  The event is free and open to all ages.  Disclaimer: If your dog is aggressive towards other dogs, children or strangers, please do not bring them to the event. All dogs must be kept on a leash.

The 3rd Thursday series will continue throughout the summer, with events taking place each month.

3rd Thursdays are sponsored by UIS Insurance & Investments, Reineke Family Dealerships and Destination Seneca County.

For more information about the Barking Lot Party and the 3rd Thursday series, visit www.downtowntiffin.org/events or on Facebook here.  Event chaired by Tyler Shuff.

TIFFIN, OHIO – April 17, 2023 –

Downtown Tiffin’s 3^rd Thursday season begins this week.  The annual Artist Stoll will take place on April 20^th from 5-8 p.m.

Local artists, hosted by 23 downtown merchants, will showcase their unique artisan works.  Vintage, custom and Steam Punk jewelry, water color, acrylic and oil paintings, stained glass, custom folded books, and hat burning are a few of the featured art forms included in the stroll.  New this year will include live poetry “open mic” readings at Pan Yan Books and paintable cookies at the Community Kitchen.  Participating merchants will provide a list of artist locations throughout Downtown Tiffin.  Patrons will have a chance to enter and win a door prize at each location.

City Lot #7 will host Tijuana Taco and Dough My Gosh food trucks and No Eileen DJ, Paul Grover.  High Voltage Coffee food truck will be serving in City Lot #5.  City Lot #7 will be closed off from parking.   All other city lots will be open for parking.  The event is free and open to all ages.

“It’s such a wonderful opportunity for Tiffin to come together with our artists as they showcase their creative skill, no matter what the specialty.  We are so lucky to have these artists call our community home,” said Mayor Dawn Iannantuono.

3rd Thursdays are sponsored by UIS Insurance & Investments, Reineke Family Dealerships and Destination Seneca County.

For more information visit www.downtowntiffin.org/events or on Facebook here.

TIFFIN, Ohio – April 12, 2023 – The City of Tiffin has recently implemented a new online application process for the Architectural Board of Review and Façade Enhancement Program, streamlining the process for developers and City staff. The form can be found at www.tiffinohio.gov/ABR.

This online platform will be used for applications of the Certificate of Appropriateness and Façade Enhancement Program grants. In order to submit the form, applicants are required to completely fill out the form, and a confirmation screen will be presented after submission. Following that, the process of going before the ABR for approval will remain the same.

Mayor Dawn Iannantuono said, “I thank our staff and those at TSEP who have worked to create a modern application process that cuts down on the administrative hassle and better serves our applicants.”

Additional details and program guidelines may be found at our website, www.tiffinohio.gov/ABR. Project specific questions or those regarding the application process should to be directed to Downtown Tiffin Main Street Manager Donna Gross at gross@tiffinseneca.org.

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!”