Developer interested in saving former Meier's Wine Cellars building

SANDUSKY — After hearing Sandusky officials' desires to bulldoze the former Meier's Wine Cellars, a developer told them to effectively put a cork in it.Not too long ago, staff members indicated at least one person wants to salvage the condemned Campbell Street building, vacant for at least 10 years.All other details — including the developer's identity, along with possible construction costs and a tentative timeline for work — remain unknown at this time.During the past few years, officials have ramped up efforts to tear down large-scale commercial buildings left abandoned. This would include properties once known as American Crayon, G&C Foundry, Sandusky Cabinets and Wisteria Farms.Officials also wanted to level Meier's Wine Cellars. Though a potential deal, at the very least, puts this razing job on hold for now."The city continues to be aggressive in the remediation and eventual demolition of commercial and industrial structures and sites," city chief development officer Matt Lasko said."But, with all the momentum occurring in Sandusky, coupled with increased investment interest, Meier's has actually attracted the attention of investors and other folks looking to redevelop the property," Lasko said. "As such, the city has put a temporary hold on moving forward with demolition activities to allow multiple third-party investors and interested parties to assess the building's rehabilitation potential."A problematic propertyIn 2016, the city secured $400,000 to pursue environmental evaluations at problematic, and potentially poisonous, properties. They're often referred to as brownfield sites.The analysis — which, among other sites occurred at 1702 Campbell St., the former Meier's Wine Cellars— determined this area poses safety hazards, and the buildings should come crashing down.If city officials do sell the building to an interested developer, it's believed this person must substantially purify all land and structurally reinforce its foundation.Reach reporter Andy Ouriel at ouriel@sanduskyregister.com and follow him on Twitter @AndyOuriel.Sandusky officials indicated a potential buyer is interested in salvaging the former Meier's Wine Cellars on Campbell Street. Officials previously said they wanted to demolish this structure.The main portion of the American Crayon factory in Sandusky on Feb. 23, 2017. The former G&C Foundry property at 2806 W. Monroe Street on Sept. 29, 2015. Bricks and rubble continue to sit at the former Wisteria Farms property on Campbell Street in Sandusky on Tuesday, Sept. 20, 2016.