Brion Hoffman knew he had his work cut out for him when he purchased the buildings at 811-813 E. First St. from the city of Merrill.
Through a bid process, Hoffman bought the buildings for $35,000 after the city of Merrill had acquired the property for back taxes. The city had rehabilitated the brick exterior of the buildings before offering them for sale. When he placed his bid, Hoffman was aware of issues with the electrical, HVAC and roofs. Over the summer, he’s put in countless hours and thousands of additional dollars toward getting the property back in business.
“I’m not complaining,” he said. “I knew it was going to be a project.”
By the end of the month, Hoffman plans to have his Generations Antique Co. business open in the 813 building, while the 811 side continues to undergo an extensive overhaul.
New wiring and fixtures have been installed throughout the buildings, new windows and doors were installed, along with new carpeting and a lot of other work.
Brion, 34, comes from a long line of Merrill business owners. His grandparents and great grandparents owned the Kellners Variety Store in Merrill. Brion himself has been working in retail for 15 years. He plans to keep his day (actually, night) job while operating Generations Antique Co.
He actually started his antique business out of his home in 2005. He has a huge shed full of items ready to bring to the store, but is also looking for consignment items.
“I’d actually prefer to sell other people’s stuff,” Brion said.
Generations Antique Co. will sell antique items on consignment and Brion is also considering renting booth space to sellers upon request.
The business will be open from 9 a.m.-4 p.m. He’ll take a couple of days off during the week to be with his family, but Generations Antique Co. will be open on the weekends.
There are two apartments in the upstairs of the buildings, but Hoffman has no immediate plans to become a landlord.