Law firm announces plans to renovate historic newspaper building in downtown Columbia City
(Talk of the Town photo by Jennifer Zartman Romano) The building located at 116 North Chauncey Street, most recently occupied by Three Birds Casual, is being renovated and will become the office of Myers, Tison, Hockemeyer and McNagny law offices.
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Local law firm Myers, Tison, Hockemeyer & McNagny, LLP announced today that the firm will be renovating and moving into the historic former newspaper building at 116 Chauncey Street.
“Maintaining our presence in downtown Columbia City was an important factor in our search for a new location,” said managing partner Greg Hockemeyer, “I am proud of our firm’s commitment to supporting the redevelopment of this important property.”
Built in 1911, the building originally housed The Post newspaper, a publication that later merged with the Commercial Mail to form The Post & Mail. The building was most recently occupied by locally based teakwood furniture company Three Birds Casual, which has since relocated to a facility in Gateway Park. The firm anticipates $400,000 in building acquisition and improvement costs.
“I can’t think of a better way to celebrate the centennial of this local landmark,” said Hockemeyer. “This project has involved collaboration among a number of local organizations that we hope will become a source of pride for all of Whitley County.”
The Columbia City Redevelopment Commission, which oversees a Tax Increment Finance (TIF) area in downtown Columbia City, is supporting the project through Revolving Loan Fund (RLF) and façade grant awards. The City of Columbia City is also planning public improvements along Jackson Street to support the project.
“We are pleased to support local businesses that are willing to invest in the historic charm of downtown Columbia City and contribute to the overall economic growth of Whitley County” said Columbia City Redevelopment Commission chairman Carl Siler, “The RLF program was designed to provide much needed assistance to support the reuse of vacant and underused facilities in our community.”
The Commission oversees a Tax Increment Finance (TIF) area in downtown Columbia City. The RLF program promotes efforts to strengthen the economic viability of properties located in the TIF area and stimulate private sector investment in downtown Columbia City through the physical revitalization of local properties. RLF programs have become a widely used financial incentive, establishing a pool of funding that can be replenished once loans are repaid to provide additional loan awards.
“This project is a prime example of a local business willing to invest and make a difference in the historic preservation and appearance of downtown Columbia City,” said Mayor Jim Fleck. “This investment will serve as a benchmark for additional downtown business owners interested in preserving the history of Whitley County.”