John Heaphy, owner and president of Good Foods Inc., walks through Nona’s Cellar, a quiet, intimate dining space at Spring & Main in downtown Lima. A reception celebrating the the $10 million renovation project of the building at the corner of Spring and Main streets is scheduled for 6:30 p.m. Saturday, June 8.
David Trinko | The Lima News
LIMA — In its prime, downtown Lima was full of people and different businesses. Today, local business leaders and government officials are working to bring the area back to its former glory. Good Food Inc. President John Heaphy will soon unveil a new project on the corner of Spring and Main.
Spring and Main
According to the company’s website, the building was home to the Blattner’s Department Store in 1926. The property housed various businesses over the years. Heaphy said he had a vision to purchase the building and create something new.
“Before COVID-19 started I began approaching the owners and it took a little while to get the deals completed,” Heaphy said. “I had every intention to remodel. As the city and the state came on board (I had to get easements for the property), I was just inspired to do something kind of grand.”
Once the doors open, the corner will house Casa Lu Al, Corner Pins (bowling alley), Vista Taco (taco and rooftop bar), Nonno’s Cellar (evening restaurant) and Rudolph’s Foods office space. Heaphy also said overall the business has hired 130 people and invested around $10 million.
“This is a very meaningful development,” Heaphy said. “I was drawn to the buildings and it contributes to the renaissance of downtown and the vibrancy — I feel like I am bringing back Casa Lu Al and paying tribute to my grandparents who were immigrants coming to this country.”
Heaphy said his grandfather moved to Lima in 1922. He hopes to leave the same legacy of generations past.
“I believe you can do well in this town if you work hard and have a vision,” Heaphy said. “It is good to give back and contribute to the future of this city.”
Spring
Downtown Lima
In recent years, Rhodes State College constructed the Borra Center for Health Sciences downtown. Other entities including Mercy Health — St.Rita’s Medical Center has new learning programs in the city. The Greater Lima Region Park & Amphitheater held its grand opening in the summer of last year.
“A number of years ago, we started assisting with the initiatives to bring capital investment to downtown Lima,” Allen Economic Development Group President Dave Stratton said. “The goal has been to bring private money, private dollars and public support to projects. The Rhodes State project was a catalyst for so much over the past seven or eight years.”
Stratton also said more than $60 million has been invested in downtown from different organizations.
Future Projects
In September, the city of Lima purchased the Riverfront One property located at 325 S. Main Street.
“The Riverfront One project will follow the public-private investment model as well,” Mayor Sharetta Smith said. “We have issued a request for qualifications. We are looking for developers who have the expertise and experience to create a mixed-use development in the heart of downtown.”
Smith also said the city will be hosting a community engagement survey for residents to share what new businesses they hope to see downtown. The city hopes to determine if the property will be a good site for a public market with housing.
“There is a lot of positive investment and I would encourage people to come and see what is happening in downtown Lima,” Stratton said.
A ribbon-cutting celebration will be held from 6 p.m. until 10 p.m. on Saturday, June 8, on the corner of Spring and Main. The business will host tours, have food trucks, drinks and more. Heaphy said the restaurant plans to open at the end of June. For more information visit springandmainlima.com.
Reach Precious Grundy at 567-242-0351.
