577 group eyes land nearby for expansion

The 577 Foundation is on 12 acres at 577 E. Front St., and leaders want to buy about 1.75 acres next door. The nonprofit group said it doesn't have specific plans yet.

The 577 Foundation, a Perrysburg nonprofit organization, is seeking to purchase nearby property to add space for a community garden, classrooms, and living quarters.

The foundation, which regularly offers art and cooking classes and other activities, is on 12 acres at 577 E. Front St. Leaders want to purchase 1.75 acres next door at 537 E. Front St. On the property are a 2,400-square-foot two-story house, an 800-square-foot guest house, and two three-car garages.

Foundation director Mary Mennel said the expansion was "a leap of faith," and the organization was still determining how to use the expansion.

She said the purchase was contingent upon a decision by Perrysburg City Council, which created a special zoning district for the foundation at its May 1 meeting.

The district allows the foundation to operate in a nonresidential way even though the surrounding area is zoned residential.