Great things are happening in Ottawa these days. There was quite a big announcement a few weeks ago detailing the restoration of two of the historical buildings in our downtown corridor. The S.F. DeFord Building and the Du Mont Building will both be restored and renewed into new spaces.  The owners of these buildings worked alongside the Putnam County Community Improvement Corporation, JobsOhio, and Regional Growth Partners. Over $4 million will be invested into the downtown corridor.

The DeFord building, built in 1889, will include the renovation of 30,000 square feet. The first floor will host retail and dining space. It will also feature a co-working space featuring flexible work offices. On the second floor, there will be seven rooms available for overnight guests. The second-floor rooms will be loft-style rooms, which will include family suites, executive suites, and standard suites. Most of the rooms will feature a kitchenette.  The owners of the DeFord Building are Megan Seitz-Clinton, Joe Schroeder, Jeff Rieman, and Fred Schroeder.  They are working with the Metzger Brecheisen Company to complete the restoration.

The Du Mont building is owned by Gillian Stechschulte, Dan Stechschulte, Scott Birkemeier, and Kevin Niese. The Du Mont building was home to the Schnipke Inn prior to its closing. At the building's conception, it was the only hotel in Putnam County with sewer and plumbing.  Soon it will be reimagined into an office space, dining space, and event space. Technicon Design Group will anchor the building and be located on the third floor. The second floor will host office space. On the first floor, Ottawa Brewing Company will open and feature dining and craft beer.  The Ottawa Brewing Company is owned by Dan Stechschulte and Jack Klass. Together they will work to bring quality dining and beer to the area.

It was also announced that Andy and Brianna Kaufman would be opening Putnam Paddling Company, offering canoe and kayak adventures with drop-off and pick-up along the Blanchard River.

These are exciting changes to our community. Ottawa is growing and changing in new ways while respecting the history of our past. We are truly excited to watch these changes take place. Congratulations to all of the owners and partners who worked to make these exciting changes come to the area.