Construction Begins On Lockkeeper’s House

Once a focal point in New Bremen, the Lockkeeper’s House will once again serve southwestern Auglaize County in a variety of ways: as a visitor center, Miami and Erie Canal Interpretive Museum, business meeting location, and offices of the MECCA and the SW Auglaize Chamber of Commerce.

Construction began Monday morning with a groundbreaking ceremony at 10 a.m. in Lock One Park.

Participating organizations include the village of New Bremen, New Bremen Historic Association, MECCA and Chamber of Commerce, The public is invited to attend.

Designed by Garmann/Miller and Associates of Minster, the building will be an exact reconstruction of the structure that once stood at the site adjacent to Lock One. The general contractor for the project is Baumer Construction of Minster.

Mechanical systems will be installed by Area Energy and Electric of Sidney. Other local contractors will be involved with various aspects of the 3,700-square-foot building.

The building is expected to be open in Spring of 2010.