Sylvania’s Main Street sees resurgence in business

Nick Dallas recalls that 15 years ago when there were a lot of vacancies in downtown Sylvania.

“That has changed,” said Mr. Dallas, whose family has been part of the Sylvania restaurant scene since the 1970s. “If there is a store closing there seems to be another one in the wings. There is a lot more foot traffic here as well, and the events always help bring people in.”

Sylvania’s Main Street plethora of shops, bars, and restaurants comes from a combination of public and private investment, allowing the continued growth and vitality of downtown.

“Sylvania is a growing community, and growth always attracts new businesses,” said David Sautter, owner of Sautter’s Market, which opened in 1959. “That in itself shows that Sylvania continues to be a desirable area to live and raise a family.”

Mr. Sautter said the store has made changes over the years to accommodate the increasing demands of the community.

“We have expanded our wine/beer departments as well as the in-house made grab-and-go options from our deli/bakery,” he said. “Our produce selection has expanded as well, with an increased focus on locally sourced and organically grown produce.”

Mr. Sautter said the growth in housing in the downtown area, specifically the fall 2021 opening of SOMO Flats, a luxury apartment complex on Monroe Street just east of Main Street, helped spur the resurgence of Main Street business.

Sylvania’s director of economic development, William D. Sanford, said the growth of business on Main Street has been planned over several decades.

“It really has been a combination of things,” Mr. Sanford said. “The formation of Red Bird and the businesses working together has been key. This city supports everything they are doing. The city wants Main Street to grow and flourish.”

Mr. Sanford said the city has worked on purchasing property since 2000.

“The city bought the Maplewood Marketplace and came up with what it wanted to see there,” he said. “Change just doesn’t happen overnight. Our former law director, Jim Moan, worked on the SOMO Flats project as well. Sylvania just has been able to use its resources wisely to have the great results we are seeing.”

Sylvania also planned to put in a walking and biking trail in 2006. The trail runs behind SOMO and connects residents to Kroger, Sautter’s, and downtown.

“We have to complete the trail from Main to Silica,” Mr. Sanford said. “Right now, we have a very walkable downtown, and we are hoping to add more mixed-use buildings in the future.”

Opened in 1971, J&G Pizza Palace was purchased by Mark Dallas in 1979. The Dallas family expanded its downtown presence by adding Upside Brewery in 2016 and opening the Dallas Taproom in October in space immediately adjacent and connected to their restaurant.

According to Nick Dallas, Mark’s son, there was never an option to move locations.

“I was born here and so was my father. This is our home,” Mr. Dallas said. “Sylvania is safe, clean, and this community is a great place to raise a family. We have never thought of moving.”

Playing an important role is Red Bird Sylvania, which started as an arts organization and merged with the Downtown Sylvania Association, and now encompasses the businesses as well.

Katie Cappellini, a former city councilman and executive director of Red Bird, said the organization does a lot of work throughout the year to make sure people know Sylvania is the place to be.

“We run a community bike ride, First Fridays, Downtown Delights, Miracle on Main Street, and other events,” Ms. Cappellini said. “It is a group effort by the city, businesses, and us to have a thriving community, and it shows.”

Ms. Cappellini said the city took 10 years to purchase the pieces of land now occupied by SOMO Flats. She said the city's construction of the river trail helped attract the apartment complex.

“Originally, it was going to be a mixed-use property, but the city wanted more, and the owners of SOMO were attracted by the walkability of our downtown,” Ms. Cappellini said.

Beautiful Blooms by Jen has been at its current location since 2019. Her shop was originally located on Summit Street, near Main Street.

“It is amazing how much business picked up moving one block,” said owner Jen Linehan. “All of the business owners work together to keep downtown Sylvania on everyone’s radar.”

Ms. Linehan said she is thrilled to have been able to bring the flower and gift shop on Main Street. A graduate of Ohio State University with a degree in agriculture education, she said her modern flower shop helps people express their feelings through flowers.

“I grew up in Sylvania and I always wanted to open a flower shop,” she said. “I love knowing everyone that comes in the door. There is a small town feel here which is the best. I love seeing groups of people go to lunch down here and then come to shop.”

Katie Gilliland, owner of Finch & Fern Book Co., opened her store in October. Prior to Finch and Fern, the store was Eden Fashion Boutique.

“I looked at this space because the owner wanted to bring in something new and different to downtown,” she said. “It was important to him and he was mindful of who he was renting to. He was excited I wanted to open a bookstore. There was no bookstore here.”

“Sylvania is a great community,” she said. “People have been excited to have an indie bookstore. Many people have told me that it reminds them of Thackery’s. Everyone has been supportive.”

Ms. Gilliland credited Red Bird Sylvania.

“Red Bird Sylvania has a lot to do with it,” she said. “They draw attention to Main Street, and businesses are thriving because of it.”

Chris Binkowksi, co-owner with his wife Kristy of Chris and Kristy’s Boutique, said they opened the jewelry store at the current location in 2022.

“I grew up here so I know the market and real estate here,” Mr. Binkowski said. “I looked at places in Maumee and Perrysburg, but this location is just perfect.”

Lori Colenzo and Wendy Gericke, co-owners of Hip to the Groove Boutique, have a sense of humor.

Outside the boho-centric clothing boutique is a sign proclaiming customers can receive 10 percent off their purchase simply by dancing their way into the store.

“Sometimes people forget to dance, or they did not know if they would buy anything when they first come in,” Ms. Colenzo explained. “If someone buys something, I will offer them 10 percent off if they dance. It is just something fun we do.”

The store celebrates nostalgia and is loaded with clothing and albums, both new and used, from the 60s, 70s, and 80s.

“The businesses here are just one big, happy family,” Ms. Colenzo said. ”We get a lot of support from Red Bird and the Sylvania Area Chamber of Commerce. All of the events help to bring more people here to find new stores, bars, and restaurants.”

Ann Lorton, who also danced after her purchase, said she travels from her home in Point Place to shop at Hip to the Groove and eat in downtown Sylvania.

“We don’t have a cool place like this in the Point,” Ms. Lorton said. “It is warm, unique, and quirky. I am 67, so I know quirky and cool. I wish the Point had places like they do in Sylvania to walk around, shop, and eat.”

Jean Wilcik, from Walbridge, agreed.

“The customer service is impeccable, and there is always something new here,” Ms. Wilcik said before dancing for her discount. “I love to shop here and I really do like seeing what Sylvania has to offer. It is just very hometownie.”

Domus Home Goods owner Amy Kinsel moved back to Sylvania three years ago.

“I opened here in November, and I could not be happier,” Mr. Kinsel said.

The store features home decor, furniture, rugs, and cookware. Customers can shop for items in the store and can also order items to be delivered.

“This is my first foray into owning a business,” she said. “I just wanted to be active in the community and to offer customers a fun service that was not online.”

Although the business has customers coming in the door through word of mouth, the events being held have brought in many new faces as well.

“The whole atmosphere of this community is fun, and the businesses keep growing because of it,” Ms. Kinsel said. “People come in here to see the unique items I have at reasonable prices. It is just wonderful that people want to support local businesses.”

Main Street will soon see a whisky bar where Belmain Upholstering was, Mr. Sanford said. Local Roots Juice Co. is set to open soon, and Olive’s on Main opened recently.

A new dining establishment is set to open in early 2025.

Mancy’s Restaurant Group owner Gus Mancy confirmed the business has purchased the Element 112 building and will be opening a new restaurant in 2025.

“We are super excited about coming to Sylvania,” Mr. Mancy said. “Our plans are to renovate the restaurant and open up in 2025.”

“We have an awesome patio there and we have a lot of exciting plans for the place,” he added. “It just really is the right time to be in Sylvania.”