Today, the City of Tiffin Architectural Board of Review (ABR) approved the final façade grants for 2021 with two projects to improve historic buildings in Downtown Tiffin.
During the meeting Tuesday, the board approved a $3,520.50 Façade Enhancement Grant for the Empire Block Condominium, 144 S. Washington St., for new windows and door on the first floor of the building; and a $6,210.44 façade grant to ReinX3, LLC for 27-31 S. Washington St. for new gutters. Combined, these projects are a $22,871 investment in the community.
With these projects, the $100,000 budget for 2021 Façade Enhancement Program has been completely allocated, having funded 15 projects for a combined $270,656.57 investment. Since the Façade Enhancement Program’s inception in 2014, 102 projects have been approved for a total downtown investment of more than $2.6 million.
Mayor Aaron Montz said, “I’m proud to see that the Façade Enhancement Program has been successful in providing funds to so many worthwhile projects in our Historic Downtown. I applaud Tiffin City Council for continuing to budget for this great program, and encourage building owners to take advantage of it in 2022 to continue this positive momentum.”
The annual Downtown Tiffin Trick or Treat event has been moved to 4:30-6 p.m. Friday, Oct. 29. The original date was changed due to safety concerns with ongoing roadwork projects.
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.
The owner of a small business is taking his love of music to the next step, by moving up from the back of another business to his own storefront in Downtown Tiffin.
Jacob Wheeler, a Tiffin native and graduate of Columbian High School, had been selling records in the back of Line Drive since July, but plans to soon open his own underground record store, Under the Surface, in October at 16 E. Market St. The store will specialize in independent label releases and demos.
Wheeler said his friends from high school introduced him to music, and they then in turn spent time bringing bands into Tiffin in his youth. He wants to have a way to reach youth about this genre and style of music.
“I love being in Downtown Tiffin and wanted to give people a reason to stay here and appreciate the strong sense of community in this town. I’m excited to be able to expand my offerings and have a home here in Tiffin for independent and underground music,” Wheeler said.
Tiffin Mayor Aaron Montz commented, “Congratulations to Jacob Wheeler on expanding his business to a storefront in Downtown. I’m excited to see people investing in our community.”
Tiffin-Seneca Economic Partnership hosted the 2021 Main Street Celebration and Downtown Summit Thursday, Sept. 23, 2021, at the Chandelier Community Event Center, 151 S. Washington St. The program included award presentations, celebrated the success of 2020 and 2021 – including the resiliency of the community amongst a global pandemic – and gave a look forward to the next year.
During the event, Joyce Barrett, Executive Director of Heritage Ohio, announced this year’s recipient of the Main Street Business of the Year award is Dave Spridgeon with The Renaissance and Barrel 51. The Renaissance and Barrel 51 opened its doors in 2017 to bring the roaring 20s back to Tiffin. The bar incorporates 1920s style drinks, uniforms and furniture. During the height of the COVID-19 pandemic shutdown, Spridgeon and grew his business, by opening a food truck and purchasing a party bus, which was converted into a speakeasy on wheels.
Spridgeon will be recognized during the annual Preservation and Revitalization Conference, taking place Oct. 18-20 in Springfield, Ohio.
The Celebration included the 2021 Downtown Tiffin Main Street Awards ceremony. Winning awards were:
Celebrate the fall with a fun event as the Downtown Pumpkin Stroll returns 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 16. Spend the day strolling from business to business, gathering fall-themed treats at participating locations.
This year’s event is being generously sponsored by Old Fort Banking Co.
To maintain social distancing, walkers may start anytime and at any stop you wish — there is no registration on the day of.
Tickets are $20 at Simply Susan’s, 70 S. Washington St. (cash or check only in store). At ticket purchase, walkers will receive a map and a bag. This year, ticket prices will used to support participating businesses.
To purchase tickets online, click here or visit downtowntiffinevents.com. A confirmation email will be sent after ticket purchase, which can be presented The Renaissance of Tiffin, 129 S. Washington St., the day of the event (starting at 9:30 a.m.) for walkers to receive their ticket (with map) and a bag.
Walkers are asked to wear masks when in doors and to maintain social distancing. For more information about the event, find Downtown Tiffin Pumpkin Stroll on Facebook, and Like the page for updates.
Company receives maximum grant amount for roof replacement
During a meeting Tuesday, Sept. 7, the City of Tiffin Architectural Board of Review (ABR) approved a façade grant for UIS Insurance & Investments for roof replacement.
During the meeting, the board approved a $10,000 Façade Enhancement Grant for UIS Insurance & Investments for their location at 51 Washington St. to replace the current roofing material with new EPDM roofing material. The $28,983 project was approved for the maximum grant amount.
Mayor Aaron Montz said, “Downtown buildings are expensive to maintain and I’m pleased to see that the City can support this investment by UIS Insurance to preserve their historic building.”
The 2021 Façade Enhancement Program continues to be successful with 11 building project approvals for an investment of more than $215,000. Since the Façade Enhancement Program’s inception in 2014, 98 projects have been approved for a total downtown investment of more than $2.6 million.
After graduating from college and living in Europe for several years, Tiffin area native – Kate Hade is back home and excited to start a new venture in Seneca County by opening Rose and Co. Mercantile, a general store featuring locally-produced, handmade and planet friendly items including home goods, lifestyle and body care products. The newly renovated shop is at 134 S. Washington St. in Downtown Tiffin and plans to open Sept. 10, just in time for the fall season this September.
Owner Kate Hade, said she named the store after her grandmother, Rose Ann. Hade said, “My grandma was really my role model, she instilled in me a knowledge and passion for cooking, designing, and hosting and entertaining, all of which are inspiration for the types of items I will be sharing with the growing community of Tiffin, the name was obvious from the start.” Examples of items on display include hand-poured candles and soaps, hand-woven baskets, Ohio crafted teas, syrups and spice blends, and other hand selected luxury gifts and housewares.
“I wanted to open this business because it has always been a goal of mine to be part of something to better our community and share my style with others. My grandma was always very involved here in Tiffin and she would be so proud of me for doing something I love, she always pushed me to keep working. It’s such a rewarding feeling to be able to offer this type of shopping experience to the people of Tiffin and the downtown atmosphere is the perfect place to do that,” said Kate Hade.
Tiffin Mayor Aaron Montz said, “I’m happy to welcome Rose & Co. Mercantile to the Downtown Tiffin business community and wish Kate Hade luck on this unique store.”
For more information, find Rose and Co. Mercantile on Instagram @roseandcomercantile.
Tuesday, Aug. 17, the City of Tiffin Architectural Board of Review (ABR) approved a façade grant for the American Legion, as well as approval to have the awning at the building replaced.
During the meeting, the board approved a $10,000 grant for American Legion Post 169, 280 S. Washington St., to replace the current fabric awning with a metal standing seam roof to be LED lighted. The $29,991 project was approved for the maximum grant amount.
The 2021 Façade Enhancement Program continues to be successful with 10 building project approvals for an investment of nearly $240,000. In 2020, the ABR approved façade grants for the owners of seven building in Downtown Tiffin for a total investment of $227,188.12.
Since the Façade Enhancement Program’s inception in 2014, 97 projects have been approved for a total downtown investment of more than $2.6 million.
During a meeting on Aug. 3, 2021, the City of Tiffin Architectural Board of Review (ABR) approved Façade Enhancement Grants for two Downtown Tiffin buildings.
The Board approved a $10,000 grant for roof replacement at 130 S. Washington St., where the Tiffin Art Guild is located. They also approved a $3,100 grant for roof repairs at 27 Court St., where Lange Gordon Rannigan & Claus are located. Combined, these projects total nearly $50,000 in investment in Downtown Tiffin.
The 2021 Façade Enhancement Program continues to be successful with nine building project approvals for an investment of nearly $190,000.
Yours With Every Stitch has announced today that it has opened a storefront location in the historic Laird Building in the heart of Downtown Tiffin. The store specializes in alterations, mending and custom seamstress services.
Owner Danielle Park is a recent Calvert High School graduate who started sewing when she was 8 years old and has maintained a passion for sewing through her involvement in 4-H. She started the business in her second semester of senior year at Calvert, and has now decided to open a physical location in Downtown Tiffin to better serve her current clients and grow a new customer base. The shop features a lounge area to help customers and guests feel comfortable while getting fitted.
In addition to alterations and mending, Danielle enjoys making custom clothes, which includes children’s clothing that she has been selling at JAM’s Monthly Markets. She hopes to one day expand her clothing line to include women’s clothing.
“I love downtown so much. The Laird Building is the coolest place and I’m excited about being part of the Downtown Tiffin community,” Danielle said.
Tiffin Mayor Aaron Montz commented, “Congratulations to Danielle Park on the opening of your store and being part of the Downtown Tiffin retail community. It’s exciting to see young people invest here and bring their unique talents to Tiffin.”
To make an appointment, contact Danielle or stop in at the store, 114 S. Washington St., Suite B. To contact Danielle, email yourswitheverystitch@gmail.com, or call/text (567) 230-6450.
Yours With Every Stitch is a member of the Seneca Regional Chamber of Commerce.
This artist’s rendering shows what the perpendicular signage w
Today, the City of Tiffin Architectural Board of Review (ABR) approved three façade grants for Downtown Tiffin buildings and a grant for a new sign to be installed at the Laird Building.
During the meeting, the board approved three projects for Façade Enhancement Grants:
Tony Consolo, owner of 45 S. Washington St., B.E.S.T. Taco Shop & Breakfast Spot, was approved for a $10,000 grant for roof repairs.
Donna Brose, owner of 135 S. Washington St., Cabin Creations, was approved for a $10,000 grant for window and masonry restoration.
Jay Zheng, owner of 253 S. Washington St., Hunan King, was approved for a $10,000 grant to improve the exterior façade to make it more historic.
The board also approved a $1,000 Downtown Sign Enhancement Grant requested by Don Zeis for a 19-foot-tall perpendicular sign to hang on the Laird Building, 114 S. Washington St.
Combined, these projects total more than $97,000 in investment in Downtown Tiffin.
In 2020, the ABR approved façade grants for the owners of seven building in Downtown Tiffin for a total investment of $227,188.12.
Tiffin Mayor Aaron Montz commented: “I’m proud to be able to support these building owners in improving their properties and investing in the beautification of Downtown Tiffin.”
Since the Façade Enhancement Program’s inception in 2014, 92 projects have been approved for a total downtown investment of more than $2.6 million.
TIFFIN, OHIO – June 15, 2021 – Tiffin-Seneca Economic Partnership is proud to have named MST Pub as a 2021 Outstanding Business Award winner during the 2021 Annual Meeting June 3, 2021.
Owner Chris Chase started working at MST Pub, then Madison Street Tavern, in 2004 when he was getting his Master’s Degree at Tiffin University.
“What I found was just a really great community, and that’s basically why I chose to stay,” he said.
A year after he started working there, he became a manager and then purchased the business in 2009.
One of Chase’s goals was to take the business from a college bar to a full-service restaurant. Since he took ownership, Chase has invested in updating the busienss’s interior and exterior, including adding permanent tables, and creating a whole different atmosphere.
“It was really a matter of trying to clean it up and give Tiffin something that I think they needed, which is a different eating option, which is how I progressed to it being a restaurant from just a bar,” Chase said.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, MST was forced to close for a few weeks, but quickly pivoted to carry-out and curb-side pick-up.
“The community really supported us, in buying gift cards and showing us a lot of love with the to-go food. My staff was great, making the transition seamlessly,” Chase said. “Taking phone calls, running food out to the curb, making sure we’re sanitizing everything. It was very difficult in the beginning, but I think we transitioned well, and without the love from the community and all the support we got from them, it wouldn’t be as good for us.”
MST has a tradition of supporting the community, by providing food and gift cards for the high schools and local sports teams when asked. Chase was especially proud to have supported the Front Line Proud initiative by selling T-shirts at the restaurant, as well as making donations so that the group could provide lunches for hospital staff and other front-line workers during the pandemic. The mission of that group is to generate funds to recognize and support frontline workers while promoting unity and supporting our essential workforce through diverse and distinct actions.
“We don’t say ‘No’ too often. If we can help somebody out, we definitely try,” Chase said.
Chase thanked his family, his wife and their two children for supporting him and his staff, and the community for helping to make the business a success.
“That’s why we do all this, for the community. We really appreciate all the support they’ve given us through the years,” Chase said.
To view video of the award winner, click here. MST Pub is at 92 Madison St. For more information, visit www.mstpubtiffin.com or call (419) 448-9670.
