Maumee to spend $155,000 to buy a Conant St. building

4/21/2005

The city of Maumee has decided to purchase a building in the 200 block of Conant Street, demolish it, and keep the land for possible development.

The city will spend $155,000 to buy the building, which houses the Handmade Lampshades shop. The demolition will cost about $11,000. The project will be funded by a federal community development block grant given to the city to help revitalize its central business district.

Richard Lazar, owner of the building, said he put it up for sale because he is planning to stop working full time.

He said the city approached him about buying the structure.

"They consider this building an eyesore," he said. "It's not as nice as some of the buildings around it."

Homemade Lampshades is planning to vacate by the end of June.

John Jezak, Maumee's city administrator, said the city plans to hold onto the land after the building is demolished and later decide what to do with the parcel.

"We've got some plans to augment parking in that vicinity, so it may dovetail into that issue," Mr. Jezak said.

The city owns the lot across the street where they recently demolished a former gas station and office building. Officials are working with area developers to start a business on that site.