DEFIANCE, Ohio — Located on the corner of Second Street and Clinton Street, a historic building in downtown Defiance has been the site of ongoing construction for the past few years.
"Everything happened in downtown Defiance," Mike McCann, the mayor of Defiance, said. "Just everything was here and at this particular location was a Rexall drug store."
McCann said the building started as a pharmacy and eventually became a yarn shop.
However, as years passed, and with the development of the local mall, the building eventually sat vacant.
"But when they built the mall out north, the whole complexion of our downtown changed," McCann said.
Due to the price and size, no one wanted to cover a renovation. However, Bryan Keller with Keller Logistics wanted to give it a shot and help restore some history to the local community.
"I felt like, what better gift than to fix this iconic building that is cattycorner from the courthouse?" Keller said. "This is the busiest intersection in town. It's really what people see, and to have an eyesore here is just not good for our downtown."
However, he said things quickly went over budget. Luckily after receiving a grant, the project was back on track.
"(The grant) represents about 12% of the budget, so that helps a lot," Keller said. "It doesn't solve all the problems of going over budget but we're committed to finishing it because we think it's a gift to Defiance."
The project is expected to cost somewhere between $3-to $4 million.
The NAI Harmon Group is also involved. The Toledo-based company partnered with Keller to help market the building.
Emily Wagy, director of communications for NAI Harmon, said that the work to get and keep the building filled with tenants will be ongoing.
"Now we're really working on who we can target to come in as far as restaurants down in the bottom and office users in the top floors," Wagy said. "We will be continuously working with the tenants and lease renewals, and filling the empty spaces."
McCann said he hopes the building will act as a place of enjoyment for the future.
"It truly is going to be a renaissance for our downtown," McCann said. "And we're excited about the opportunity and anxious to see Bryan and Jacob Oberlin put that plan into place."