Checking in with The Washington

SANDUSKY — The renewed historic property caters to vacationers. But it provides many amenities to also satisfy those calling Sandusky home. It's a promise made by Brent Zimmerman, the co-owner and proprietor of The Washington. He runs Sandusky's newest hotel with his brother, Joshua, and their father, Greg. Located at 333 E. Washington St., it's beside the former Kreimes Cardinal Grocery store. On Friday, the Zimmermans hosted an open house, where, for the first time, people could check out this boutique. Guests marveled at the many sights found within the three-story-tall royal blue building. While differing in size, layout and decor, all eight bookable rooms do feature the normal accommodations typically found in a hotel room. Each unit offers a bedroom, bathroom, eating area and/or kitchen, living room along with a washer and dryer. "The historical details we were able to preserve combined with the new aesthetics and update to today's standards are impeccable," said Brent, who noted The Washington represents a $2.5 million private investment. Brent — who also owns Saucy Brew Works, a Cleveland-headquartered brewery and brewpub — developed an affinity for Sandusky as a child. "Spending summers in Sandusky for over 20 years now, we recognized the need for luxury accommodations," said Brent, who also recently constructed 16 townhomes in Cleveland along with building a 30-unit residential unit on Cleveland's west side. He's also undertaking a project right now to establish an additional 250 units in Cleveland. "We are drawn to Sandusky due to its walkability, proximity to Lake Erie and all the outdoor activities that come with life on the lake," Brent added. "We were also drawn to Sandusky due to its leadership and progressive attitude toward growth." Brent and his partners acquired the property back in September 2020. Since then, him and his team have diligently worked with many city officials, including Sandusky's community development director Jonathan Holody, on the project. Holody convinced city commissioners to approve a $50,000 grant, coming from local economic development funds, which help offset the overall $2.5 million investment. "Brent and his team went above and beyond to restore this historic building to its former grandeur and create a unique way to come experience Sandusky," Holody said. The new hotel provides many advantages for Sandusky and this specific neighborhood, Brent said. Beyond reinvigorating a residential structure, giving it a facelift and creating a new place where tourists can stay, it also incentivizes others to develop property in this area. "We believe this asset will be cherished not only by the 13 million tourists a year that come to Sandusky but also by its residents," Brent said. "We put our capital, sweat, tears and love into this amazing transformation." People can find more information and make a reservation by searching online for The Washington. The Zimmermans do plan on hosting future tours and open houses there. History lesson Not much is known about the structure standing at 333 E. Washington St., now known as The Washington. But the Register profiled the property on Aug. 31, 1971, serving as a preview ahead of the Republican Women's Club Tour of Homes. Among some more notable details: The house was built in 1898 by John Dorn, father of the late Randolph and Richard Dorn, who inherited the now-extinct Dorn Winery and who later headed the Barr Rubber Products Co. It was also the former home of Erie County Common Pleas Court Judge Tygh Tone, who resided there with his sister, Bobbi; mom, Mary, a former employee at the Register; and dad, Ken, a local lawyer. Brent noted the property, before his team acquired it, sat vacant. For The Washington, Greg's company, Zimmerman Construction, oversaw the remodeling work, David Maison acted as the architect, and Tara Mercio was the interior designer.