Tiffin becomes prime relocation site following development news

TIFFIN, OH — With so many recent announcements of developments in Tiffin, including riverfront development, new stores, and more, the city is quickly becoming a prime site for those looking to move to a new community.

This week, city officials announced a major plan that includes riverfront development in Downtown Tiffin.

Florida-based developer and entrepreneur Ed Hernando is a Heidelberg University graduate, former captain of the football team, and current member of Heidelberg’s business school advisory board.

He has been working with the city and economic development officials on the project concept since early 2017. He cited the city’s prudent planning in the purchase of the Stalsworth and Livery property in 2013 and the 2016 Downtown Strategic Growth & Development Plan among several reasons to invest in Tiffin.

“It is evident that Tiffin is a community investing in itself and its future, and I want to support its growth and development with this large-scale project,” he said.

Tiffin Mayor Aaron Montz said that Tiffin is open and prepared for this kind of development. “The Tiffin Riverfront Development will be a transformational project in the heart of downtown Tiffin building upon the already strong momentum the community has experienced over the past several years,” he stated.

“It will provide unique housing and lodging for new and current residents while serving as a catalyst for additional investment in the future. This further builds on other major transformational projects in the downtown like the Frost-Kalnow Amphitheater on the East Green, future splash pad, and newly renovated lofts and storefronts.”

Moving the project forward is contingent upon significant further due diligence and market validation, but the current plan, based on research to date, contains the “Creative Lofts” and “Downtown Residences and Hotel” projects.

The Creative Lofts will be located on City Lot 6 across the river from Kiwanis Manor and will offer affordable lofts geared toward young professionals and graduates from the local communities, encouraging young people to stay in Tiffin post-graduation to live, work, launch businesses, and make Tiffin their home.

It is estimated that the Creative Lofts will have 85 units, which is subject to change based on entitlement, building restrictions, and market conditions.

The Downtown Residences & Hotel will be located on City Lot 4 on the site of the former Stalsworth Hotel and Livery and provide the ultimate in elegance and spa living for condominium owners and a boutique hotel experience for guests.

The project includes a restaurant lobby and bar, conference space for events, banquets and weddings, as well as a rooftop bar and restaurant. It is estimated that the Downtown Residences & Hotel will have 50 full-service hotel rooms, 45 condominium residences, and four to five penthouse units. This is also subject to change, based on the previously mentioned factors.

The purchase agreement will be put forth in a city ordinance, to be presented at the first of three readings by Tiffin City Council in a regular meeting Monday, Aug. 20.