Hinze Properties LLC

This large duplex is getting a MAJOR makeover this fall and since most of the time you see our projects when they are finished, I thought we would start by showing how the process even begins. It’s a long ride, so keep checking back!

We call this house “Joe’s Greenway” because it has a unique story behind it involving a sweet young man growing up in Columbus during World War II named Joe.

Most days demo on the site was business as usual, but on this particularly sunny winter morning, one of the crew came across a book, tucked underneath a stair on the 2nd floor, and handed it over to Todd. It was a diary from  a then-10 year old Joe. It’s written by a boy who had moved to Columbus from Brooklyn for his father seeking work on the growing railroad system. We didn’t want to pry too far, but the first few pages he talks about saving money for the family because of the war. He recalls of walking to school, taking religion classes, going to the movies with friends, and helping his elderly grandma cook. It was beyond amazing to read- Todd & I knew we had to find out if Joe was still living and return him this treasured book.

So, while I searched the auditor’s records for previous owners, Todd took to google. We were able to come up with his last name and search the white pages. Joe had a home phone line and still lived in Columbus! Todd immediately called, and an older gentleman answered- it was Joe! He told him what was discovered, and immediately Joe asked if it was “behind the second stair of the 3rd floor staircase?” Just like it was yesterday- Joe, who is now 84, knew exactly where he kept this book. Beyond chills.

We were so touched- this moment came at a time when we were exhausted from renovations, winter had been brutal and trying on construction, and it truly revitalized our faith. It was a beautiful moment and we can’t wait to finish the home and give a tour to Joe!

Keep checking back as we take you on the journey of revitalizing ‘Joe’s Greenway!”