TRANSCRIPT
The Republic, Columbus Indiana, 30 July 1984
Old Building Returns to Looks Of 90’s in Latest Reincarnation
By Joseph B. Gill
The Hesselbach building, the Ulrich Block building, the White Star building, the Schwarzkopf Building.
The building at the northwest corner of Fourth and Franklin has gone by those names since construction around 1850, but now it is leased and managed by Don R. Scheidt and Co.
Does that mean a name change to the Scheidt building?
No, says Don R. “Randy“ Scheidt, who is joined by Scott Owens of Bloomington as a 50-50 partner in the 50-year lease of the building from Clarence Schwarzkopf of 604 N. Marr.
IN FACT, Scheidt says the building’s name most likely will return to the Ulrich Block building. That’s because the structure is being renovated to match its appearance in 1891 when it was owned by baker, Frederick Ulrich.
Right now, two businesses occupy the building—Edward D. Jones and Co. investors, the first tenant on the ground floor, and Scheidt’s realty and appraisal company which has a second-floor suite.
Two other suites have been leased, both buy retail businesses. Frame ‘N’ Art, now at 433 Washington, will move in in mid to late August to a ground floor suite.
The second retail business planning to move to a ground floor suite is a bakery now operated in North Vernon by Bill and Ann Hemmings, who will close the business there and open here later this summer.
SCHEIDT SAYS he is thrilled by the success in finding tenants. He still has four upstairs suites available and a ground-floor suite that could be divided into two areas. But he’s confident there won’t be any vacancies when the building is dedicated in late September or early October.
The remodeling of the landmark building was planned for years, but it wasn’t until December that Scheidt and Owens announced their plans.
Schwarzkopf could not come up with the capital himself to renovate the building according to plans drawn by Dean Taylor, said Scheidt, who admitted he had the same problem, but he and Owens joined forces and work began.
SCHEIDT SAID Taylor‘s plans included as much of the old building’s designs as possible, and maintaining the 1891 look was required so the company could qualify for a 25% historical landmark tax credit.
But the style has been maintained—even an addition on to the old building must not be painted or look as if it was a part of the original structure, Scheidt said.
The long windows have been capped, the skylights have been kept, the iron staircase on Franklin Street side has been maintained.
Helping add to the 1890s look will be ceiling fans and chandeliers in each of the ground floor offices.
Scheidt said the final decision hasn’t been made, but he believes the Ulrich Block building sign will be put back up on the fourth Street side of the building.
The buildings Franklin Street portion is the oldest commercial structure remaining in downtown Columbus.
