DAYTON — A car hit a historic building Saturday morning, damaging the patio and brick, just days before a new owner officially takes it over.
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News Center 7′s Taylor Robertson spoke to the new owner of Jimmie’s Ladder 11.
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The building, home to Jimmie’s Ladder 11, was built in 1892 as a firehouse.
“This building was a firehouse in 1892 until I believe 1984. It was one of the last horse drawn firehouses in all of Ohio. So there’s a lot of history in this building,” Nick Brandell, new owner of Jimmie’s Ladder 11 said.
The business has been able to operate as usual, but the challenge will be in matching the old brick.
“You know, perfect timing. A car smashes into the front of us and I get to sign up for taking it on,” Brandell said.
Brandell took ownership of his families’ restaurant Monday.
“I got a phone call, typically, you answer those 3 a.m. phone calls, it was the Dayton Police Department. They let me know that the front of our building was struck by a driver and they had him apprehended,” Brandell said.
According to police, Corey Smith lost control of his car on Brown Street and hit the restaurant. Smith is in jail facing OVI charges, the county jail website says.
“It’s unfortunate that somebody drank so much and they got behind an automobile,” Brandell said. “I’m thankful they hit our building and not a family.”
There are marks visible on the path inside the building, not to mention the missing bricks and police tape.
“They’re gonna likely have to replace the entire fence, rebuild the entire footer, new steps and I mean the brick,” Brandell said. “They’re gonna have to match up that 130-year-old brick which is gonna be impossible.”
Brandell suggests getting a designated driver or ride service if you plan on drinking, especially for New Year’s Eve. Jimmie’s Ladder 11 will be serving non-alcoholic drinks for designated drivers at their bar, Brandell says.
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