"The 82-year-old building has been vacant since the early 80s when low-rent apartments filled its borders instead of vaults and rare coins. But in its heyday, Mehl's office occupied the first floor, and he rented apartments on the second and third floors.

Iran McCarthy and Ray Boothe of Daedalus Development formed the Max Mehl Building LLC with Michael Harrison and building owner David Motheral to sink a hefty load of redevelopment dollars into the dilapidating building. McCarthy estimates the entire renovation project may reach $1.5 million.

The three-story, 15,000-square-foot building needs extensive work, but the ever optimistic renovation specialists of Daedalus said the building is in 'good shape.'

The Max Mehl Building is on the city's historical highly significant endangered list. The group plans to apply for more historical designations in order to receive a 20 percent tax credit, which will help offset some of the renovation costs. It is located in the city's Fairmount Historical District.

'It's the most asked-about building on the street,' Boothe said.