Rieck's building getting new life

The former Rieck's building in downtown Findlay is getting a $150,000 interior fix-up, and new life. Loan Depot will move into the building's southernmost storefront on Jan. 4. The northernmost storefront now is occupied by Studio 232 Salon & Spa. By mid-2021, a third tenant could move into a storefront now being prepared between Loan Depot and Studio 232, said Rodney Kramp, who along with Titus Allen, is investing in the property. Second-story space will become offices for, say, a law firm or real estate agencies. Kramp and Allen are advisors with Copland Allen Kramp Financial, 336 S. Main St. "It's an 'eat your own cooking, we're committed to Findlay,' so we're going to invest in Findlay," Allen said. Allen and Kramp bought the former Rieck's building from Kent and Marna Weaver last June for $785,000. Kent retired in 2018 as owner of Rieck's Gallery, which did custom framing and sold artwork and gifts. He was the fourth generation in a family business which spanned 130 years. His ancestors' surname became synonymous with the building at 520 S. Main St. "We love the building," Kramp said." The architectural part of it is really neat." The real estate investment tandem is ready to catch and ride a wave. They already own some space across the street and are eying more downtown properties for purchase and investment. For decades, the gravitational pull for Findlay commerce was toward Tiffin Avenue and the east. But with Findlay Village Mall and some retailers in that area languishing in recent years, downtown has made a comeback and appears ripe for yet more prosperity, Allen said. Between that and having Marathon Petroleum Corp. across the street, the former Rieck's property looks like a smart investment, he said. Plaster has been removed from interior walls, exposing brick. "We're going to keep it an industrial look," Kramp said. Wood floors have been sanded and refinished. Plumbing work alone cost about $20,000, and new bathrooms are being installed. Decorative tin ceiling has been painted. An old stairway will be restored or replaced. New windows have been installed. Kramp said the work is "making it look pretty again," noting that the building upgrades are more about cosmetics. The structure "is fine," he said. A shed in the back will be demolished to make room for 15 to 20 parking spaces, Allen said.