Renovation of downtown property aided by $10,000 in grants
TIFFIN, OHIO – January 30, 2019 – Modern artist Tom Hoffman has announced plans to open a new art gallery, Court Street Gallery, showcasing his work and that of other artists at 33 Court Street in downtown Tiffin’s historic district. Hoffman previously had a gallery in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, and is excited to offer his gallery vision to residents of Seneca County and Northwest Ohio.
“I wanted a place to showcase my art and show other artists eventually,” Hoffman said. “I love Tiffin and think it’s a really great town; it's blossoming, and I want to be part of that,” he added.
Hoffman has a degree in architecture from the University of Illinois and was first an interior designer with a thriving business and a move to Tiffin prompted him to put his art to the forefront. Hoffman is to use part of the renovated storefront for a gallery space and art studio, and he is to live in one of the upper apartments.
Andy Faber, partner with building owners Tiffin Capital Investments LLC, purchased the building in March 2017, said the renovation was a new experience for the group and thanked Tiffin-Seneca Economic Partnership and guidance from other property owners and their bank as they updated the storefront and five apartments.
“The four of us just did this. We’re four buddies who started this over a beer. We looked at other properties and this one made the most sense,” Faber said. “We’ve really resurrected a building down there. It’s crazy to look back, seeing people living there and making it a home is absolutely awesome.”
In 2016, the previous owner received a $10,000 Façade Enhancement Grant that was used for repairs to slate, masonry, windows, cornices, roof, and dormers, as well as painting. In August 2018, Faber and his associates started the process on the Community Reinvestment Area (CRA) for tax abatement, which is awaiting approval upon completion of renovations.
Tiffin Mayor Aaron Montz said he is excited about the project. “It is great that the city of Tiffin will have another attraction in its downtown, and we are pleased to see that a historic building has been brought back to life by members of our community.”
The Diane Kidd Gallery on the campus of Tiffin University will host “Evolving,” an exhibition of abstract paintings by Hoffman through February 21, 2019.
About the Tiffin-Seneca Economic Partnership
Started in 1983 as the Seneca Industrial and Economic Development Corp. (SIEDC), the Tiffin-Seneca Economic Partnership is a private, non-profit corporation dedicated to driving positive economic, downtown, and community development in Tiffin and Seneca County, Ohio, which consistently ranks among the top communities nationally for economic development. Learn more about the great things going on in Tiffin and Seneca County at www.tiffinseneca.com.
