Longaberger Co. moved out of its famed building two years ago and just this week it was revealed that the company was ceasing operations.
Coon Restoration and Sealant Inc., based in Louisville, Ohio, near Canton, purchased the iconic basket building late last year.
The company’s leader, Steve Coon, has renovated several buildings in Hamilton’s downtown since 2008.
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Credit: Greg Lynch
Credit: Greg Lynch
Renovations by Coon’s Historic Developers of the Mercantile building, as well the former Journal-News building and the Robinson-Schwenn building have been credited by the city as a catalyst for spurring more investment in downtown Hamilton.
Coon previously told the Journal-News that he first became acquainted with Hamilton in 2006, when a Cleveland architect let him know about “a great community in southwest Ohio” and the run-down Mercantile buildings between 228 and 236 High Street.
Here’s a look at some of the renovations Coon’s company has completed in Hamilton:
1. Historic Mercantile Lofts (236 High St.)
This mixed-use project converted three buildings into 29 residential units and five commercial spaces.
Credit: HANDOUT
Credit: HANDOUT
2. Robinson-Schwenn Building (221 High St.)
The building houses Miami University Hamilton’s downtown location as well as the Lane Libraries Community Technology Center and True West Coffee.
Credit: Greg Lynch
Credit: Greg Lynch
3. The former Journal-News building (228 Court St.)
The building was renovated into the Butler Tech School of the Arts, Miami Valley Ballet Theatre and the Hamilton City Schools ABLE program.
In addition, Coon purchased the former Fifth Third building at 2 S. Third St. in Hamilton in 2016.
Coon's Historic Developers has partnered on downtown Middletown properties as well, such as the Goetz Tower project.
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