What's up with the Feick Building?

SANDUSKY — A multimillion-dollar project to restore one of Sandusky's most iconic buildings will take several more months than previously anticipated. In late 2021, after officials lifted several COVID-19-related regulations, project developers overseeing the Feick Building's resurrection noted all work would wrap up by spring 2022. Fast-forward by about a year, and it's still nowhere close to complete. What gives? "It's all mainly due to supply chain issues," said Chip Marous, a member of Marous Development Group. The group supervises all on-site construction activities at this East Market Street structure. Marous pegged the project at about 50% complete. "But we have been getting a lot done on the inside," said Marous, specifically mentioning metal stud work along with electrical, plumbing and mechanical systems now in place throughout the eight-story-tall structure. Delays in shipping and shortages of materials not only impacted this project but seemingly all others nationwide, Marous said. "It's unfortunate we are having these struggles, but, really, everyone else is as well," said Marous, who pointed to springtime 2023 as a new project end date. "We want people to move in around March or April," Marous said. On a positive note, and unlike other construction projects, the Feick Building's revival won't cost much more than its original estimate of $10 million. The price tag revolves around creating upward of 45 apartments and a street-level storefront. Sandusky officials expressed no issues with the setbacks, patiently anticipating what's to come. "The Feick Building is one of Sandusky's most historic buildings," city manager Eric Wobser said. "It has been through many changes over its life, and we think this will be well worth the wait when it gets brought back online in 2023." The building's new blueprint The Feick Building first opened in 1909, mostly home to many small businesses during a century-long period. The building, however, closed in 2015 after repairs became too costly for its former owner to fund. Starting in the 2000s, however, those entrepreneurs and companies began leaving the outdated building, which left it largely empty.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," Chip said. 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," Chip 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, Chip 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."