Three longtime vacant buildings in Sandusky were combined into one large public-private partnership mixed use redevelopment project to create a new city hall, 18 market rate and affordable apartments, and three retail spaces. A partnership between the City of Sandusky, Marous-affiliated companies, and Marous Brothers Construction began by getting the buildings listed on the National Register. Downtown Sandusky’s Commercial Historic District now encompasses 106 buildings, and provided the Kingsbury Block 1894, Whitworth Building 1899, and the 1923 Commercial Banking and Trust Company with the opportunity to use historic tax credits to fulfill the dream of rehabilitation.
3 ½ years later, with $11.5 million in investment in a visionary city and a creative developer/contractor/property manager, the rehabilitation of the Commercial Banking & Trust Co., Kingsbury, and Whitworth buildings has provided one of the most inspired re-development projects in Ohio.
This award is presented to the City of Sandusky and Marous Brothers.