Welcome to Lauralee's Legacy House

SANDUSKY — A longtime local who's served the community in many different ways pivoted to a new project, accommodating guests while paying tribute to his late wife. Jeff Krabill recently finished up work at a home he owns, on Hayes Avenue (Ohio 4) directly across from Firelands Regional Medical Center in Sandusky, He calls it Lauralee's Legacy House. Lauralee Krabill passed away in 2021. Beloved in the community, in 2022, Sandusky Career Center dedicated its nursing skills lab to her, a nurse and educator. It's just the latest tribute Jeff pursued in her memory. For instance, also last year, he enlisted members of Carpenters Local 744 to install handrailings on steps near bleachers within Strobel Field at Cedar Point Stadium. It's a place where Jeff and Lauralee often watched Blue Streaks games together. Lauralee surely would've appreciated those gestures and the latest, Jeff said. At her legacy house, Jeff transformed a once-dilapidated home into a pristine rental property people can temporarily stay and/or vacation. People can soon book rooms on this site through Airbnb and VRBO. "The conversion is remarkable," Jeff said. "It has been transformed into a very modern home with really nice amenities." Many made remarks like this during a pair of open houses taking place this past month. The two-story home features four bedrooms and four bathrooms. Jeff — who's given back to his community in a multitude of ways, such as serving on boards for Sandusky Schools and the Erie County elections board — explained his latest investment in the city. "I was anxious at the beginning to do something that would benefit the overall neighborhood. Firelands Regional Medical Center created The Garden District (neighborhood) years ago for much the same purpose, but much of the neighborhood still had homes that needed some tender, loving care," Krabill said. "My intent, going forward, is to do more in the general area and, thus, encourage others to do the same," he said. Krabill underscored how he's received an overwhelmingly positive reception from area residents so far. "Whether through my efforts or those of others who 'catch the fever,' this is a great neighborhood that will benefit from the investment that I and others make," Krabill said. Krabill also hopes people stay at his property. "Doing what I've done here improves housing stock, brings new money to the area, supports employment and infuses hope where maybe it was in short supply. Call it a bandwagon," Krabill said. "The more people that jump on and maybe follow my lead, the better the overall Sandusky community can become. There's nothing really special about me in this regard, but my faith in the people of Sandusky gives me great hope for the future."