One of downtown's most historic buildings has a new owner with ambitious plans.
Entrepreneur Jason Duff acquired the Canby Building from the Downtown Bellefontaine Partnership on Wednesday for $1.
Duff, who said acquiring the 100-year-old building is a risky move, believes the vacant storefront has great potential.
Duff said Dale Ward of Robinson Building Solutions will spend the next few months replacing the ground floor levels.
After that, masonry contractor Doug Fleischmann of rural 
DeGraff will replace terra cotta columns and stonework (pictured right).
The initial restoration work on the windows and masonry will take about a year.
Once restored, Duff wants to bring in an anchor tenant. He feels a restaurant on the main floor would be a great addition to downtown.
Mr. Duff said the second and third floors could be used by a variety of businesses.
Duff is working with CT Communications to install new fiber wiring into the Main Street Marketplace (formerly Centre City Mall) and the Canby Building.
Listen to Duff discuss acquiring the building, his future plans, and an update on several improvements at the Main Street Marketplace.
The Downtown Bellefontaine Partnership owned the Canby Building since 2006.
The historic structure will officially turn 100 on June 27th.
Pictured left: A rendering by local artist Joanne Ritter shows the proposed changes to the Canby Building.
