TIFFIN, Ohio — The City of Tiffin’s Architectural Board of Review last week approved the exterior design and renovation plans for the East Tower project, advancing a major redevelopment effort at the historic former school building at East Market and Jefferson streets.
The project includes a full renovation of the structure to create luxury apartments and a ground-level commercial space intended for a future food and beverage operation.
Plans call for a new addition on the south side of the building, a 1,387-square-foot footprint built over three floors. The addition is designed to cover the remaining demolition area from the former high school’s south wing while adding more than 4,000 square feet of new space. It will function as the building’s new main entrance and will include an elevator, exit stairs, lobby area, and additional apartment space.
The approved plans also include construction of eight garages, to be arranged in two garage buildings on the south side of the property near the new addition.
“This approval keeps the East Tower restoration and repurposing moving forward and allows us to advance to the next phase of work,” said owner Andrew Kalnow. “The plan preserves the building’s historic character while adding the infrastructure needed for long-term use, including housing and a commercial space that can support downtown activity.”
Built in 1893, the East Tower incorporates Romanesque and Gothic Revival architectural elements. The building originally served as Columbian High School and later East Junior High.
Kalnow, chairman and CEO of National Machinery LLC, purchased the property in 2012 with the stated intention of restoring and repurposing the structure to support ongoing revitalization efforts in downtown Tiffin.
More information about the project is available at easttowertiffin.com.
