Family Continues 100 Plus Year History of Investing in Xenia with Facade Renovation Project

Since 1903, the Arnovitz family has invested in downtown Xenia. Thanks in part to the Xenia Downtown Façade Loan Program and to members of the nonprofit Xenia Downtown Revitalization Committee that investment continues today with the renovation of three storefronts owned by the Arnovitz family.

Since the 2008 downtown Xenia strategic planning process, third-generation family member Matthew Arnovitz has been an important voice in ongoing meetings with owners, volunteers, consultants and State officials to foster redevelopment downtown.  In 2011, Arnovitz applied for and received three of the eight design assistance grants made downtown.  This required a one-to-one match from the owners, and established their commitment to what eventually became three Xenia Downtown Façade Loans federally funded by Community Development Block Grant and local revolving loan funds.  “It was a long process, but Matthew Arnovitz worked with the City to make these latest three projects a reality,” said Mary Crockett, City of Xenia Community and Downtown Coordinator.

“We appreciate the investment the Arnovitz family has made not only through the City’s Xenia Downtown Façade Loan program, but through their continued private redevelopment investments,” said Xenia City Manager James W. Percival. “The relationship between the Arnovitz family and the City of Xenia has been an important part of Xenia’s evolving past, present and future.”

When the Xenia Downtown Loan Program is completed later this year, the three buildings will all be renamed and dedicated with family names. 37-41 East Main Street will be named the Arnovitz building, 25-29 South Detroit Street will be named the Engilman building and 75 East Main Street will be the Saeks building. Sam and Minnie Engliman operated a Dry Good’s Store (1902) and Sol and Sara Arnovitz operated Sol’s Store (1932) and started a family real estate company that acquired 37-41 East Main Street in 1944, with the family adding 75 East Main Street in 1957 and 25-29 South Detroit Street in 1963.  Matthew Arnovitz, President of Arnovitz and Associates, now oversees the properties.