NEWARK, Ohio (AP) — A developer with a specialty renovating historic structures has bought the basket-shaped Ohio building formerly used by employees of The Longaberger Co.
Canton-based developer Steve Coon and his partner, Bobby George, of Cleveland, closed on the building in central Ohio Friday. The iconic basket structure had stood empty for more than a year.
Coon said he has a “big vision in mind” for the building with details to come.
Licking County Treasurer Olivia Parkinson says a large amount of back taxes owed on the building are expected to be paid this week.
Longaberger opened the $32 million building in 1997 but later suffered financial problems as sales dropped off.
Coon hopes to place the structure on the National Register of Historic Places.
