Ottawa Area Chamber of Commerce members cut the ribbon outside of the Dumont Building on Friday in Ottawa.
Cade Higgins | The Lima News
OTTAWA — The historic Dumont Building celebrated its grand opening and renovations with the Ottawa Chamber of Commerce on Friday.
Located at 202 W. Main St. in downtown Ottawa, the building has stood tall for more than 120 years.
A variety of organizations and small businesses now call the building home, such as the Ottawa Brewing Company, Putnam County Community Improvement Corporation (PCCIC), Huston Insurance, The Barndo Company, uDemand Health, Charles Construction Services, and the Technicon Design Group.
Gillian Stechschulte, co-owner of the building, architect, and owner of the Technicon Design Group on the third floor of the building, explained the revitalization and work that went into the building over the last few years.
“The project started about two years ago. We were running out of space at Technicon,” she said.
In collaboration with the PCCIC, the ball began to roll when Technicon showed interest in the building, despite its condition.
“The second and third floors were in complete disrepair, probably being unoccupied for 40 years or so,” she said.
Technicon eventually purchased the building and began to repair and make various renovations.
According to Stechschulte, the community raves about the building and what it has to offer downtown.
“We’ve heard and received so much support and encouragement. The Ottawa Brewing Company is busy and it’s great to see people enjoy it,” she said.
Things moved quickly when construction was underway.
“Leasing all six suites within the first few months led to people wanting to be here quickly,” she said.
Reach Cade Higgins at 567-242-0351
