Findlay releases terms for firehouse auction

FINDLAY — Terms have been publicly released for the planned sale of the former Northside Fire Station, including a $150,000 minimum bid and strict preservation requirements that will govern next month's sealed-bid auction. The newly-released restrictions outline how the city intends to preserve the 1934 building, control future ownership changes and ensure any buyer can meet the conditions attached to the sale. Under the terms, the former station at 401 N. Main St. and its adjoining parking parcel will be sold together. The property will be conveyed as is, where is, and with all faults, and the city makes no warranties about structural condition, environmental issues, code compliance or fitness for use. All closing costs must be paid by the purchaser. The deed restrictions require the buyer to preserve the building's historic exterior and protect significant interior features. No exterior alteration that "significantly alters the historic appearance" is permitted without written city approval, and interior changes tied to safety or code compliance also require approval. Demolition is prohibited except under extraordinary circumstances and only with explicit city authorization. The city will also retain a first right of refusal if the buyer later chooses to sell the property. Under the terms, the city may repurchase it for the original bid price plus verified, city-approved renovation costs. The buyer must give written notice, and the city will have 90 days to decide whether to exercise that right. The city reserves the right to reject any bid, including the highest, if officials determine the bidder cannot meet the preservation requirements or if acceptance is not in the city's best interest. Findlay first attempted to sell the former station last year through a negotiated agreement with the International Association of Fire Fighters Local 381, Findlay's firefighters' union. The union planned to convert the building into a fire service museum and community space, displaying historic equipment and offering educational programs. Council rejected that proposal by a 5-4 vote, one short of the six needed for passage. Council members Holly Frische, R-1; Jim Niemeyer, R-5; Jeff Wobser and Randy Greeno, both R-at-large, opposed the sale, and Councilman Brian Bauman, R-5, was absent. Auditor Jim Staschiak raised transparency and ethics concerns at the time, noting that council had not seen the contract, the reverter clause or documentation supporting the valuation. The building was vacated in 2019 after a sanitary line failure and has since been used for storage. A recent assessment found structural issues, including water infiltration and masonry deterioration. During council's meeting earlier this month, Service-Safety Director Rob Martin said the administration moved to a sealed-bid auction in response to last year's objections and emphasized that the union "is absolutely eligible to bid" under the new process.