Greendale Main Street Acquires Historic Jones Building for Revitalization

The property is positioned to become a central hub for local commerce, community events, and everyday connection.

Jones Building on Ridge Avenue. Photo provided.

(Greendale, Ind.) - Greendale Main Street, a local nonprofit organization, has acquired the Jones Building on Ridge Avenue, marking a major milestone in its mission to establish a vibrant and walkable downtown district in Greendale.

This strategic investment advances the organization’s long-term vision to revitalize historic structures, support small business growth, and create a dynamic gathering place for residents and visitors. Positioned along the Ridge, Kansas, and Brown Street corridors, the property plays a central role in shaping the future of Greendale’s Main Street.

Over the past several months, Greendale Main Street worked closely with previous owner Melany Longo to ensure a thoughtful transition that preserves the historic character of the buildings while preparing them for renewed community use.

"This is an exciting step forward for Greendale Main Street and for our entire community," said Ryan Goode, Executive Director of Greendale Main Street, "Owning this building allows us to more intentionally support local businesses, activate our downtown alongside the Indiana Office of  Community and Rural Affairs Stellar Pathways streetscape investments, and continue creating spaces that bring people together.”

Located at 211–217 Ridge Avenue, the Jones Building has long served as a cornerstone of Greendale’s commercial activity. Over the decades, it has housed a range of uses—from residential apartments and a pharmacy to a beauty salon and Tiny Town Pizza. Today, it remains home to valued local businesses, including Buzzy’s Pizza and Furfect Kutz Pet Grooming.

Recognized as a key anchor in the 2023 Preservation & Main Street Development Plan, the property is positioned to become a central hub for local commerce, community events, and everyday connection.

With the acquisition complete, Greendale Main Street plans to build on the significant improvements initiated under Longo’s ownership, beginning with targeted exterior enhancements, continued support for existing tenants, and the recruitment of additional locally owned businesses. The Indiana Accredited Main Street organization’s ownership of the building will also reduce its reliance on public funding to operate and ensure long-term sustainability for Main Street programming in Greendale.

“Greendale Main Street is excited to begin the next chapter of the Jones Building,” said Erin Marqua, President of Greendale Main Street. “Our focus is to strengthen what already exists while thoughtfully expanding opportunities for new businesses. The community has been clear—they want a destination they can walk, bike, or golf cart to, with accessible amenities. This project allows us to deliver on that vision.”

Longo originally purchased the Ridge Avenue properties in 2022 and led an extensive rehabilitation effort. Her work included replacing outdated electrical systems, repairing roofs, upgrading HVAC systems, and reconstructing stairways to meet code with support from engineering firm Hrezo Engineering. She also completed a full renovation of the upper-level apartment, highlighting the building’s historic character with exposed brick and a custom kitchen countertop crafted from a reclaimed bowling alley lane.

“My late husband and I set out to create a place where small-town retailers could thrive and contribute to the Greendale community,” said Longo. “I’m proud of the work we’ve done to restore and modernize the building, and I’m excited to see Greendale Main Street carry that vision forward and bring even more energy to the area.”

Looking ahead, Greendale Main Street will focus on securing grant funding to support continued rehabilitation, attracting new tenants, and partnering with the Stellar Steering Committee, the City of Greendale, and the Greendale Redevelopment Commission. Together, these efforts will help establish a thriving Main Street district designed to serve and connect the community.

Learn more about Greendale Main Street and the 2023 Preservation & Main Street Development Plan at www.greendalemainstreet.com. Find out about the 2024 One Dearborn County Stellar Pathways investment on Ridge Avenue at www.1dearborn.org/stellar.