The Miller Building Opens in Downtown Delaware

A long‑vacant downtown building is set to take on a new resident. On a street marked

by frequent turnover, this revival stands out among the rest.

The Miller Bldg., located on 18 North Sandusky Street, is positioned to become a new

hub for dining, community events, and local business activity. The project has sparked

curiosity among residents eager to see how it will distinguish itself from other recent

additions to the downtown corridor.

Unlike many storefronts that have struggled to gain traction in recent years, The Miller

Bldg. is breathing new life into a historic space. Its first floor will feature a market hall

with a wide range of food vendors and amenities, including a wine bar, food booths, and

even a golf simulator; an unexpected addition that organizers hope will draw a diverse

crowd. The upper levels will offer flexible space for community events, gatherings, and

office use. The building’s design and purpose draw inspiration from its origins as Miller’s

Bakery and Confectioner, which first opened its doors in the 1850s.

For owner Liz Hauswald, the project is more than filling an empty building but creating

something that feels both new and deeply rooted in Delaware’s identity.

“We really hope The Miller Bldg. brings fresh energy downtown,” Hauswald said. “After

sitting vacant for a while, it felt important to bring the building back to life and turn it into

something that adds to the momentum in Delaware.”

She added that restoring the space offered a chance to reinvest in the community.

“The Miller Bldg. brings new businesses, and a renewed sense of place. Restoring the

building was an opportunity to reinvest in the community and create something

meaningful.”

Leaders at Main Street Delaware share that optimism, viewing the project as a natural

extension of the growth already underway downtown. Caroline Pusateri, program

director with Main Street Delaware, believes the building’s impact will reach beyond its

walls.

“The Miller Building will play a key role in continuing to elevate downtown Delaware as a

whole.”

She sees the space as a potential anchor for foot traffic and a catalyst for even more

local engagement.

Residents, too, are looking forward to what the project will bring. Local resident Trevor

Ferko says he’s eager for the expanded dining options.

“I’m excited to have a wider variety of restaurants in town!”

As summer approaches, anticipation continues to build. The Miller Bldg. is poised to

become more than just a place to eat; it aims to serve as a gathering point that

celebrates Delaware’s history while contributing to its ongoing growth. If successful, it

may mark a turning point on a street long defined by change, offering renewed stability

and community in the heart of downtown.