Auction of Liberty Street Comm

By STEVE HUSZAI

Staff Writer

WOOSTER -- It takes two to have an auction, so when only one bidder showed up, the sale of the Liberty Street Commons building downtown was canceled.

The building, designed and managed by Washington Properties, was scheduled to be sold at auction Wednesday. However, curiousity seekers outnumbered bidders.

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A small contingent showed up for the on-site auction, held by Bambeck Auctioneers Inc., out of Dover, but only one couple showed up with the intent of bidding on the property. They declined to comment on any potential deal for the property.

"It takes two to hold Ysl an auction," said Dave Bambeck, as he broke down the set-up for the auction.

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At the corner of East Liberty and North Buckeye streets, Liberty Street Commons is a 30,000-square-foot, mixed-use building with commercial and residential space. It was renovated for $4 million in 2001.

Developer Mike Rose, of Washington Properties, said while they were "disappointed" there weren't more bidders for the site, they will continue to operate it.

"We do have some interested parties we are following up with, and we will continue to operate it," Rose said, adding there has also been Rolex watches some interest in available spaces within Liberty Street Commons.

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"(Liberty Street Commons) is a beautiful facility ... similar to the facility in Medina which has been up and running for 20 years," Rose noted.

Justin Starlin, economic development administrator for Wooster, said those at city hall knew there were a few interested parties and were surprised that it did not sell.

The fact that it did not sell does not affect downtown redevelopment, he added.

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When asked if the intent after the auction is still to sell Liberty Street Commons, Rose responded, "We are looking at all of the options."

Reporter Steve Huszai can be reached at 330-287-1645 or e-mail .