Couple donate $50K to Sandusky

SANDUSKY — Just this year, they've invested about $10 million in the private sector to restore some of Sandusky's most culturally significant structures.Now California couple Rick and Meghan Hogrefe have contributed a sizable sum to support the public operation overseeing these initiatives.Earlier this week, the spouses donated $50,000 from their personal funds to bolster the Jackson Street Pier.They presented a ceremonial big check to city commissioners during a public meeting."Our goal is to help you guys rebuild the city, our city, my city," said Rick, a 1979 Margaretta High School graduate, who grew up in Bay View and worked at Frisch's Big Boy in downtown Sandusky as a youth. "My whole career has been about doing good for man, trying to save lives through my science. Well, now, I have an opportunity to maybe do something different and maybe help a city that is so special to me."Spouses Rick and Meghan Hogrefe present a $50,000 check to the Sandusky city commission during a recent public meeting. The money is meant to enhance the Jackson Street Pier. Sandusky city manager Eric Wobser said the government "is determining the most appropriate use" for this money.Many city officials appeared grateful for the endowment."This gift is important because it demonstrates Rick's and Meghan's commitment to make positive investments that will preserve, restore and enhance Sandusky's greatest assets, including its waterfront, its historic architecture and its people," Wobser said. "We look forward to a long and continued partnership as they continue to invest in our community."It's not known exactly how the money will get spent. Right now, city officials continue collaborating with a private firm to transform the public downtown waterfront space.Wobser said the government "is determining the most appropriate use" for this money."The funding could go for anything that benefits the pier, including maintenance, programming, design or construction," Wobser said. "We will make that determination only after the current public planning process is complete."Officials plan on scheduling the next public meeting for the pier sometime in July.Spouses Rick and Meghan Hogrefe have bought five Sandusky properties in and around downtown with visions to enhance each one for residential, commercial, entertainment and mixed-use purposes. Their investment clocks in at about $10 million.Buying up buildingsSince January, the Hogrefes have bought several abandoned, blighted and underused structures in Sandusky, including:• The Cooke Building on Columbus Avenue and Market Street, which they'll transform into a mixed-use development for residential and commercial purposes• 201 W. Water St., also known as Waters Edge Apartments, near H.D. Tony's, which they'll maintain its current residential and commercial uses• 305 E. Water St, located next to Facer Park by New Sandusky Fish Co., which they'll create "a commercial enterprise, bringing summer and winter family fun to downtown"• 246 E. Market St., known as the Schottenstein Building, located next to Value City Furniture, which they'll remodel into apartments on upper floors and storefronts on the ground floor• 335 Central Ave., known as the Ramsey Building, near the Merry-Go-Round Museum, which they'll enhance existing living spaces into more modern apartmentsThey also own two Bay View properties: the former Moose Lodge on East Bayview Drive and the old Dairy Queen.Spouses Rick and Meghan Hogrefe recently bought several downtown Sandusky properties, including Waters Edge Apartments. They'lll maintain its current residential and commercial uses and turn the penthouse into their home.All told, through acquisition and development costs, their commitment in Erie County clocks in at about $10 million.The two, who maintain a home in San Diego, also plan on residing in Sandusky — atop Waters Edge Apartments in a penthouse — for a good chunk of the year.Rick — the CEO of California-based company TriLink Biotechnologies, which offers cutting-edge services — spoke about why he continues pouring his family's resources into his hometown."Sandusky has about anything a town could want: history, a waterfront, a huge local draw," he said. "We also saw a wonderful opportunity to help rebuild Sandusky. The Cooke Building is a project very dear to our hearts. We can't wait to restore the theater and ballroom. I am a firm believer these are the right moves. The city is ready to transform. We want to be a part of it."Spouses Rick and Meghan Hogrefe own the Cooke Building in downtown Sandusky. Among the work planned for the structure: restore the theater and ballroom.Reach reporter Andy Ouriel at ouriel@sanduskyregister.com and follow him on Twitter @AndyOuriel.