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Her plans call for renovating Main Street property into apartments and distillery
COLORADO − Mariah Alwes lives in Colorado and, while she may have graduated from Tri-Valley High School in Dresden, her family history is heavily rooted in Newcomerstown. With many family members and friends in the area, she is investing in a future in Newcomerstown for herself and her two sons as she works on her new business plans.
Mariah is the daughter of Mary Stocker Watson and Brian Watson, both graduates of Newcomerstown High School.
“I am currently stationed at Peterson Space Force Base in Colorado Springs, where I work as a reserve officer and civil servant,” she said. “My sons and I commute back and forth to Newcomerstown. We have been an Air Force (and now Space Force) family and have been stationed around the world for the last two decades.
“I contracted with the Air Force after 9/11, commissioned in 2004, and I am about to retire from the Air Force Reserve as a lieutenant colonel. I want to enjoy a peaceful life here in Southeastern Ohio, so for the last year I have been looking for a facility that could be made into both apartments and a future distillery, as I enjoy brewing alcoholic beverages. The properties from 218-304 West Main met my needs. I intend for my sons to live in the second-floor apartments after they become adults and enter the workforce. My sons both have autism; I need a safe community with plenty of family support to help them as they transition into adulthood. Newcomerstown has all that we need to survive and thrive,” she said.
Phase one, the immediate plan for Watson and Sons Properties LLC, was to renovate the three second-floor apartments into safe, affordable living spaces for members of the community. Two of the apartment renovations are almost complete.
Phase two of Alwes’ business plan starts next summer. “I am working with the village council and Mayor Pat Cadle for a Vibrant Communities Grant from the State of Ohio to help revitalize Main Street. I’m hoping each business on Main will receive grant monies to repaint or resurface every building. My buildings all need to be repainted.
“Additionally, for phase two, I am applying for USDA and DOE grants for the potential installation of an electric vehicle charging station, roof solar power panels and batteries. If I receive these solar grants, then next summer electric wiring upgrades for the first floor of 222 West Main will be initiated. I plan to share my grant lessons learned with every business owner interested in the future.”
Phase three is a five-year plan and focuses on the restaurant and distillery renovations, to commence by calendar year 2027.
“It will cost a minimum of $200,000 total, which is why I work so hard for grant funding, to upgrade and establish my restaurant and distillery. My parking lot needs to be resurfaced. My floors and foundation require repair and reinforcement to handle the weight of distillation equipment. I will also need to work with the village water department for an additional gray water line and freshwater line. I’m not changing anything with the building architecture other than adding ADA-compliant entryways, restroom facilities and a kitchen.
“I will still need to work with the proper authorities in the region regarding my business plans to renovate the 222 West Main first floor former hardware store to a 1930s style design for a restaurant and micro-distillery, with a décor theme of a Prohibition Era Speak-easy,” she added. “My distillery is going to be a fun place to kick back and enjoy yourself with friends and family. Newcomerstown is our home. We need to all work on our home to keep it safe for our families and friends.”
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