Feick Building project moves forward

SANDUSKY — They kept heaping high praise onto one of the tallest buildings in Sandusky. "It's just incredible," Mike Marous said when standing on the Feick Building's top floor, looking out at breathtaking views it presented Developers representing Marous Development Group, which Mike serves as the company's chief operating officer, are overseeing on-site construction activities at this East Market Street structure. On Thursday, Marous representatives and city officials toured the eight-story-tall structure, which first opened in 1909. It's the first time, in a collective sense, they've convened at this landmark, as COVID-19-related precautions previously prevented them from hosting a groundbreaking or public tour. Mike noted the structure, featuring upward of 45 apartments and a street-level storefront, should open by spring 2022. And when it does, "It will be the best space in downtown," Marous said. Project details The Feick Building closed in 2015 after repairs became too costly for its former owner to fund. Previously, it served as the home for various local businesses. Starting in the 2000s, however, those entrepreneurs and companies began leaving the outdated building, which left it largely empty. Marous Development saw potential in repurposing the site into a residential complex. Representatives worked out a deal with the city, which called for a public-private investment totaling up to $10 million. With some notable details presented, here's why the Marous team believes in this project: • The size: The one-bedroom apartments should range between 400 and 650 square feet on floors two through eight. The first floor should play host to an unknown business, potentially a store or maybe even a restaurant. • The original plan: "At one time, we were going to do offices, and then the pandemic hit," said Chip Marous, the managing member of Marous Development Group. Chip is Mike's dad. Changing habits in how and where people work forced Marous' team to call an audible. "We had to rethink what we were doing and thought apartments would be the best thing." • The past jobs: Marous previously built apartment complexes in two nearby spaces in recent years: above City Hall on Columbus Avenue along with Bowling Green State University's resort and attraction management program, known as Falcon Point Lofts, wrapping around Hancock and East Market streets. • The layout: Those familiar with the City Hall and BGSU apartments can expect a similar style with what's coming at the Feick "All of our apartments are always high quality," Mike said. The Feick, with its apartments priced between $800 and $1,200 a month, "will have all of the benefits of new-apartment living." • The market: Even with these projects completed, and tenants residing there now, demand for apartment living remains high across downtown, Mike said. • The familiarity: Chip explained his company's continued investment in Sandusky. This would include the company overtaking Battery Park's leasing rights. "We've always liked Sandusky, as it has a lot of potential. With all of these buildings getting filled, you are bringing people downtown and to the city. People will spend money, and that will create more tax revenues. That helps downtown and the city survive. There will be more restaurants and retail, and everything around here will be more successful."