A History of The Building

One of my truly great passions has been the ongoing renovation of the building which is known locally as the "Nigbor Building", which derives from the years it housed one of the fur businesses which helped Berlin earn its name as the Fur and Leather Capital in the 20th century. The building was built in the late nineteenth century and has housed numerous businesses over the years. It once served as a town hall for the West Side of Berlin. Later it was converted into taverns and residential use.

During Prohibition, it is said that illegal goods were stored in hollow beams in the basement. Searches of the basement have not turned up any hollow beams, only one hidden room which I recently discovered and a signature scratched on the wall dated 1911. Inquiries into the owner of the signature have confirmed that the owner was involved in Berlin retail and was killed shortly after in an early car accident.

This picture appeared in the local newspaper in 1938, accompanied by the headline"New Nigbor Fur Store To Have Its Formal Opening Wednesday". The article describes the massive renovations which would transform the building into a modern "model factory".

These renovations included the removal of the ornate cornice, and construction of concrete storage vaults "in keeping with the latest development in storing and preserving furs."

Nigbor Furs closed its doors in the '80s, and an auction was held to liquidate the contents. The published notice lists sewing and office equipment as well as 75 fur coats and racks of furs.

The building sat vacant and in disrepair; the windows bricked up, stairways closed off, and the lights of old motion detectors still flashing. A deteriorating roof caused mounting damage to the interior. Evidently the scale of the building and its potential renovation and upkeep deterred any interest in rescuing it.

The first time I saw the interior of the building, I was struck by how its former elegance had fallen victim to neglect and how the building itself seemed to have its own presence. It seemed to have a forlorn feeling of waiting which I could not shake off. And somehow I knew I was home.

I moved into the building in 1993, and began the non-ending task of renovation. and a relationship that only those who have tackled a project like this can understand. There is a respect and love one develops for a structure so steeped in history, as though the many lives who have passed through have given it some life of its own.

It has always given me a warm sense of welcome. After alot of hard work and imagination, it has become my sole domain, with my business occupying the first floor, and my residence occupying the second and third floors. My favorite aspect of having such a residence is the space, which there is plenty of with each floor running around 3300 square feet plus a full basement. My second favorite thing is that whatever I decide to dream up, there is always a room that is a perfect place to try it out. Its a great space for me, Ripley and Charm, my dogs, and the cat crew - Emily, Kai and Mim.

Join me in my continuing project:. ONWARD

The notice for public auction listing contents.

This is the building before all the windows were opened up. The attempt to give it an art deco feel in the 30s appears to have been far short of an improvement.