Boris Music purchased the Hansa Import House at the corner of Lorain Avenue and West 28th Street in 1979 and converted it into a Bavarian-style fortress. The defensive design was appropriate for the times, when vandals were a big problem throughout the neighborhood.

Now, Music sees the neighborhood finally growing to its full potential. He recently announced a $3 million plan for an extreme makeover of the Hansa House. It will be transformed into a European-style brewery, café and restaurant featuring Slovenia’s Pivovarna Lasko beer while continuing to serve as an import marketplace. 

A building addition to be constructed on the parking lot at West 28th will become Four Corners Restaurant. “We intend to have visiting chefs that will be rotated on a quarterly basis,” explains Music, adding that the chefs will represent a variety of European regions.

After three decades, Music applauds community leaders for Ohio City’s turnaround. He hopes to play a vital role in the Market District’s expansion west on Lorain. “I had the opportunity to move, but my gut feeling was telling me to stay and wait for a renaissance,” he says. “Now is the time to set up something for my kids.”