A conversation with ark restoration and construction co -owner Ambea Mikolajczyk
“Toledo is full of opportunities to have a positive impact, and I am proud to help make our city the best. Ambrea Mikolajczyk co -owner of ARK Restoration and Construction
“The restoration and construction of the ARK illustrates the power of development focused on the objective. Kevin and Ambea’s passion for intentional investment transforms their hometown, a project at a time. Their strategic redevelopment approach revitalizes not only buildings, but also catalyzes investments in the surrounding area. – Brandon Sehlhorst, director of economic development
What inspired you to start the restoration and construction of the ARK?
My husband, Kevin, who is co -owner Ark with me, and I spent almost a decade renovating the unified houses and the duplexes before Ark’s idea took shape. In 2007, we bought a property and this project put everything in motion. The turning point occurred when we started to restore an old tobacco factory, built in 1966, in downtown Toledo’s Warehouse District. The building was serious, with massive holes in the roof and the rear wall when we acquired it at the Lucas County Earth bank.
After finishing the renovation, people started handing out, asking if we could help restore their homes, offices and buildings. Along the way, we had developed a set of specialized skills to bring back the architectural treasures of Toledo to life. We have also built a talented team to manage the acquisition, financing, design, permits and construction. It has become clear that we had the opportunity – not only to launch a business, but to fill a real need for the community.
Can you tell us about some of your projects and why did you choose Toledo?
Our most important and most difficult project to date has been the restoration of an old Wonder Bread factory. It took us four years and 7.5 million dollars to finish, but with the help of Lisc, the Banque Banque du Comté de Lucas, Promotic and the Ohio historic tax credit, we transformed the building of 80,000 square feet into 33 luxury loft apartments. The factory had been a vacant seat for over 20 years as a horror in the historic district of Vistula – now, it is a dynamic and prosperous space.
I am also incredibly proud of our team for having restored an average height in the historic Old West, an eight units building that has been an illegal activity site for years. This complex project required a complete renovation in the studs, in particular new electricities, mechanics, plumbing and a completely redesigned arrangement. Despite the in -depth work, we have kept the original hardwood floors. The building, located directly opposite the Cathedral of the Rosary, is now a beautiful asset for the neighborhood. Once the construction is finished, we organized an open day and the neighbors shared how relieved they were to see the obstruction disappeared. The transformation not only eliminated the burn, but also restored pride in the block, making it one of our most rewarding projects.
Toledo is at home. I was raised with a deep feeling of pride in my city, participating in everything he had to offer – from the PorteSide and the Toledo Zoo to the Museum of Art, the Park System and the YMCA, especially Wayman Palmer, where my parents played volleyball every Saturday morning. I also attended the Catholic club and the Toledo Day Nursery, which I learned later was the first childcare establishment in Ohio. After graduating from the school (TPS proud!) And won a scholarship at the University of Toledo, I could not imagine starting a business elsewhere. Toledo is full of opportunities to have a positive impact, and I am proud to help make our city the best possible.
Have you obtained funding support for the city? And if so, how did it help you in your business?
I received a lot of support from the city of Toledo, in particular to obtain historic tax credits. The competition for these state prices would not be possible without the support of the city. I also benefited from financial support thanks to subsidies to improve façades and subsidies with the white box, which are incredibly useful for activating spaces and attracting companies to recently renovated properties. Without these subsidies, the financing of vacant and complex projects would be much more difficult.
As a business woman, did you face unique challenges and how did you overcome them?
The biggest challenge I am faced with is to be underestimated. There is often the hypothesis that my company is not capable, does not have the capacity or that I do not have the sense of the company to perform at a high level. In many parts, my capacities are questioned – while other companies in the same space do not receive a single doubt. In one way or another, the perception persists that I do not have “know-how” or “courage of business” to succeed. It’s small and short -sighted, and I choose not to work with people who think that way. Despite the noise, I continue to move forward. I focus on the watch of what my team and I are capable of explaining it.
What are the women who have inspired you the most, whether in your personal life or in your career?
So many women inspired me! First and foremost, the women of my family – my mother, my grandmother and the aunts – who have an almost supernatural ability to get things done, whatever the difficulty of the situation. I had a seat at the forefront of their resilience and their perseverance. Although I have not faced the same difficulties they have done, I draw the strength from their example when times become hard.
My business idol is Mrs. CJ WALKER. Born from parents formerly enslaved, she became the first woman in the United States to build and manage a business of several million dollars. If she could achieve it at a time when black women had almost no right, I have no excuse. I refuse to complain – I am determined to be a big businesswoman in 2025.
Can you tell me a bit about you?
I am a creative and married mother of four children who have many hats, including a real estate developer, a construction business owner, a Tedx speaker and a soon author. After 15 years as director of pharmaceutical sales, I left American companies to continue my passion for the restoration of historic architecture.
Alongside my husband, Kevin, I apply my skills to the growth and strengthening of our businesses. To date, our company has renovated many houses and buildings for ourselves and customers in the northwest of Ohio. One of our most notable projects has been the redevelopment of the historic Wonder Bread Factory, transforming it into 33 luxury apartments. The project won the American Institute of Architects and the Ohio Heritage Award prize for exceptional large catering. Our latest historical redevelopment projects include the renovation of the Arcade Spitzer and Nicholas buildings – The first toledo skyscrapers.
I have a deep passion for the design and revitalization of “unwanted properties” in the neighborhoods that need it most. I focus on the restoration and embellishment of the forgotten buildings with meticulous attention to quality and details.
Originally from Toledo, I am dedicated to the success of my hometown. I won a baccalaureate in pharmacy sciences from the University of Toledo, where I also played volleyball. Actively engaged in the community, I signed on the boards of directors of the regional chamber of commerce of Toledo, the Toledo Warehouse District Association and the Metroparks Foundation. I have received many prizes in Ohio for my contributions and I am involved in specific organizations to have a positive impact.
My mission is to serve the community through real estate development, construction and inspiration – engaging others to leave their brand using their natural gifts.
Restoration and construction of ARK
Hours: Monday to Friday 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Closed Saturday and Sunday
Phone:: (567) 275-1535
Website: https://arktoledo.com/
First image: Wonderbread building, renovated by the restoration and construction of Ark
Second image: Ambea Mikolajczyk in her home office
Third image: Ambea Mikolajczyk in her house
Last image: old tobacco factory, built in 1966, renovated by Ark Restoration & Construction
