19th-century mural uncovered downtown

During a Downtown Tiffin building renovation project, Tiffin Capital Investments discovered a mural dating to 1895. The mural, originally an exterior wall of the adjacent building, was uncovered while the company was removing plaster on the second floor at 31 Court St., according to a Tiffin Seneca Economic Partnership news release. Tiffin Capital Investments restored and preserved the mural as part of the apartment renovation. The discovery showcases the building's history and serves as a reminder of the city's rich heritage, the release said. "In addition to the mural, a storefront renovation will be completed with the recent approval of the city's Façade Enhancement Grant program," the release said. "The renewed façade will help to improve the building's exterior appearance and restore 31 Court St. in Tiffin, Ohio, to its former glory." Kip Kieffer, co-owner of Tiffin Capital Investments, expressed his excitement about the project in the release. "We are thrilled to be part of the effort to preserve Tiffin's rich history by restoring this historic building," he said. "The renovations will continue to enhance the Downtown Tiffin redevelopment and the East Green/Court Street area of town." Mayor Dawn Iannantuono expressed her support for the restoration project. "What a cool discovery to have found without ever realizing it was there," she said of the mural. "Thank you Tiffin Capital Investments for preserving our heritage while investing in our downtown." The façade restoration project at 31 Court St. is to begin soon and is expected to be completed by the end of the year. The company is committed to preserving the history and character of Tiffin while investing in its future, the release said. The Facade Enhancement Program is a city reimbursement grant. Started in 2014, the program provides a 50% match on up to $10,000 for eligible exterior improvements on residential and commercial structures within the downtown historic district. Each building is eligible to receive up to $10,000 per calendar year. For more information, visit www.tiffinohio.gov and search "Facade Enhancement."