Renaissance Square

By STEVE COLON

Expositor Editor

Renaissance means quite literally 'rebirth.' Many are pinning their hopes on the continued rebirth of downtown Wauseon on plans to develop the corner which was claimed by an April 2007 fire.

Downtown Wauseon Development Inc., a partnership between Charles Bryan and William "Willie" Van Bakel, revealed the name of the new $5 to $6 million complex at its groundbreaking Tuesday. Renaissance Square will be the name of the 28,000-square-foot development which will include five retail shops, restaurant and banquet room and a 20-room hotel.

Bryan said construction equipment is set to arrive downtown this week and general contractor Renova-tions, Inc., of Wagler Ind. is expected to take seven to nine months to complete the project.

As he began the ceremony, Bryan spoke of the adage about making lemonade as life hands you lemons.

"Renaissance Square in downtown Wauseon is ready to begin," Bryan said. "Hopefully, this addition will make Wauseon proud. A project of this magnitude needs support and Willie was instrumental in getting this project off the ground. We are committed to take the lemons I was handed and make the best lemonade possible."

Over 120 city, county and state officials and area residents were on hand for the groundbreaking.

"This is a meaningful night for me," said Wauseon Council President Doug Shaw, who lost his clothing business in the fire. "There was a big turnaround for everybody that night. This project is part of a super vision by Charlie and Willie and their people."

In a written statement read by Shaw, Wauseon Mayor Jerry Dehnbostel praised the group for their efforts to continue the revitalization of the downtown.

"The morning of April 14, 2007 will be remembered by all of us for the fire that leveled half of this city block. Many saw this devastation as an end to our downtown, but those people did not consider the resolve of the Wauseon community.

"August 12, 2008 will be remembered as the day the revitalization of downtown Wauseon began. Across the country downtown areas have long been the heart of communities and when I see not only the building of the hotel and restaurant, but also new business such as Grieser Interiors and Stimmel's Market making investments here, I feel reassured of the continued success of our downtown.

"This day is the result of the cooperation that has been shown by many people and I commend all of you for your efforts."

Van Bakel said the area to be developed was his first experience of Wauseon.

"When I first moved from the Netherlands in 1999, my first experience of Wauseon social life was Doc Holliday's," he said. "When Charlie asked me to help with the revitalization of Wauseon's downtown, it wasn't possible for me to say 'no'. My business focus (with Vreba-Hoff Dairy Develop-ment) is to help other people make their dreams come true.

"It takes a team of committed and dedicated people to come together to make a project like this work. In this case, as an exception to the rule, we had the help of local and state officials."

State Senator Steve Buehrer praised the project as a way to keep Ohio's downtowns vital.

"When communities physically lose businesses as Wauseon did the day of the fire, many do not rebuild," he said. "Personally, it is critical to make these types of investments in downtowns because they are the heart of our communities."

State Representative Bruce Goodwin also praised the jobs that will be created by this project.

"The one thing that stands out to me more than anything is the fact that this is going to create up to 30 part- and full-time jobs," he said. "It is great to see everybody on the same page and working for what is best for their citizens."

Wauseon residents Mel and Melva Grisier were on hand to witness the groundbreaking and are pleased with what is happening.

"I think its a good thing," Mel said.

"This will be a great addition to Wauseon," Melva replied. "You hate to see a downtown area die and I think this is wonderful."

Downtown business owners are also glad to see the project begin.

"I think this is great for downtown Wauseon," said Cathy Buehrer, owner of Designs by Cameron's. "Personally, this will increase our business which will then increase everyone's business which will increase the value of our downtown. It gives people, not just in Wauseon, a reason to come to the downtown."

The name of the new complex came as a result of a contest which solicited public suggestions. The name Renaissance Square was proposed by Dolores Spieles. She will receive one free night in the hotel and a complimentary dinner for two on opening night for having her suggestion chosen from the over 70 submissions.

Developers say the retail space is filled to 80 percent capacity but declined to release the names of those tenants until a later date.