PIQUA — A new collaboration in downtown Piqua named “Piqua Station” has been announced by Piqua’s Winans Coffee & Chocolate and Small Nation, a Bellefontaine-based real estate developer.

The property named Piqua Station, located at 113 E. High St., will undergo a transformation aiding in the revitalization of the downtown, highlighting a commitment to community investment and to bringing new businesses and energy to the area, said a Small Nation press release.

“This project punctuates an exciting time for Piqua. In the last several years, the city has begun to transform,” Wilson Reiser, owner/CEO of Winans, said in the release. “Piqua Station will provide much-desired amenities including coworking space, three food service tenants offering unique food options, and health and beauty services. Downtown Piqua is changing fast, and momentum is accelerating.”

This partnership between Small Nation and Winans Coffee & Chocolate, nicknamed “Chocolate Nation,” marks a pivotal step in enhancing the vibrancy and economic prosperity of downtown Piqua. The collaboration is focused on transforming Piqua Station into a thriving hub for commerce and community engagement. By combining their expertise and resources, Small Nation and Winans aim to create a dynamic space that will attract new businesses, foster innovation, and support the local economy.

Small Nation is a commercial real estate development company based in Bellefontaine that develops places, spaces and dreams for small towns and entrepreneurs. In the last 12 years, the team has purchased and renovated over 56 historic buildings and storefronts in the downtown, invested over $33 million in new private capital, and have turned a dying small town into a best-in-state destination. Piqua is the fourth community Small Nation is redeveloping property in. Additionally, the team is consulting on small town success strategies in dozens of communities around the state and country.

Founded in 1961, Winans Coffee & Chocolate is a family-owned business known for its premium handcrafted chocolates and freshly roasted coffee. Their mission is to provide exceptional quality and unforgettable customer experiences. Winans offers a wide range of chocolates, from caramels to truffles, and freshly roasted coffee beans sourced globally. Winans is based in Piqua with their corporate offices, chocolate factory, and roastery, and has 22 stores around Ohio, with more planning to open later this year.

“This collaboration represents a significant step forward in our mission to help revitalize downtown Piqua,” said Jason Duff, founder/CEO of Small Nation, in the release. “Partnering with Winans Coffee & Chocolate allows us to blend tradition with innovation, creating a vibrant space for both businesses and the community to thrive.”

Piqua Station was formerly home to an AAA Travel office and Chad and Brandi Lawson of Home Town Realty, whom Chocolate Nation purchased the property from. The building is also currently home to MB Aesthetics, an award-winning aesthetician and lash artist service provider. Owned by Megan Booher, MB Aesthetics provides a range of services including Cryo-Lean 360, microchanneling, and lash extensions. Megan’s commitment to excellence and personalized care ensures that every client receives top-notch aesthetic treatments in a relaxing environment.

Opening soon at the location includes Smoothie Life, Sushi Kazu, BUILD Cowork + Space, and the new headquarters for Winans. This will be Smoothie Life’s second location, after operating a successful fresh smoothie shop in Sidney. Sushi Kazu, owned by Chef Kyaw Say, will be bringing a variety of fresh and flavorful sushi options to Piqua. This will be Say’s second brick-and-mortar location, also complementing his popular sushi food truck, Sushi Hikari.

Small Nation will open the third location of their small-town coworking concept, BUILD Cowork + Space, following the success of their first location in Bellefontaine and a second location in Marysville, which opened in April. BUILD Cowork + Space is a shared office space designed to foster collaboration and innovation for solo- and small-town entrepreneurs. The facility will offer a modern, flexible workspace for entrepreneurs, freelancers, and small businesses, supporting the growth and development of the local business community in Piqua.

“The uses planned for the building align perfectly with the downtown Piqua Placemaking Initiative,” said Chris Schmiesing, community and economic development director for the city of Piqua, in the release. “The food service establishments will be a great addition to the downtown offerings, and the coworking and office uses will contribute positively to the entrepreneurial ecosystem in downtown Piqua.”

“These businesses will bring a fresh, diverse range of offerings that cater to the community’s needs and aspirations,” Duff added. “Our partnership with Winans is more than just a business venture. By providing unique dining, wellness, and coworking options, we are creating a dynamic environment that will draw people to the heart of Piqua, stimulate the local economy, and foster a strong sense of community.”

This is the fifth significant downtown Piqua project that Winans has been involved with in the last decade, totaling over 45,000 square feet of now-vibrant commercial spaces. In 2015, Winans renovated the then-dormant Piqua Daily Call building to become the hub of chocolate production, coffee roasting, and retail. In 2022, they purchased and renovated two downtown buildings, the former Francis Office Supply and Vern’s Automotive buildings, to expand their coffee roasting, office, and distribution operations.

In addition to Winans’ facilities and the Piqua Station project, other recent large downtown projects include the new YMCA, Lock 9 Park and Stage, Crooked Handle Brewing Co., and the Piqua Arts and Innovation Center.

“As someone that grew up and has made their career in Downtown Piqua, this progress is encouraging and we are inspired to craft what’s next,” Reiser said. “Winans is firmly rooted in Piqua, and we are blessed with a loyal community, results-driven governmental leadership, and a world class workforce.”

Renovations have already begun on the property, with expected completion in early 2025. Park National Bank is the financing partner for this project. More information on new businesses will be released in the coming months, with additional spaces still available for lease. To learn more or inquire about available space, contact [email protected] or 937-565-4580.