LRF is celebrating 10 years at apartments
Pastor Bill Mears gave thanks for being able to “witness great things happening in this great city” Friday, when he gave a blessing to kick off a 10th anniversary celebration at the Blume and Sunrise apartment complex.
Lisa Desrosiers and RJ Horwitz of LFR Ohio Properties, owners and managers of the Blackhoof Street apartments, used the anniversary to officially open the electric vehicle charging
station found in the complex parking lot, a free charging service unique in a multi-county area. Along with Interim Mayor Steve Henderson and Chamber of Commerce Jackie Martell, the quartet cut the ribbon to a small crowd of
onlookers who took advantage of the sunny afternoon.
The celebration also included an art show featuring local artist — and Blume Apartments
resident Marge Brandt, who held court in the facility’s community room surrounded by friends, family and art lovers. Musician Steve Hendershot provided music in the courtyard.
Desrosiers noted LFR Properties also manages Canal Place Apartments in Sidney, which
is likewise celebrating the 10th anniversary of LFR ownership.
Martell thanked Desrosiers and Horwitz for their “behind the scenes” interest in historic
buildings and the investment in the local community, and for bringing a bit of “high tech” to the city with the installation of the charging station.
“First on the moon, first EV charging station,” Henderson noted, also welcoming the addition to the community.
Horwitz understands the responsibility of maintaining the former high and junior high
school building, especially in the light of its history in Wapakoneta. He said the 10-year learning curve to do just that has been “vertical, sideways and with a spin.”
“It’s been a pleasure, it’s been frustrating, it’s been challenging,” he said. “These buildings were built to last and surely it will outlive me.
It’s my task to ensure the building survives.”