1606 Frederick Avenue

Step into a piece of St. Joseph history on Frederick Avenue in downtown St. Joseph! Historical records indicate this distinctive commercial building dates to the early 1890s, when it was constructed for Frank Erath’s Columbia Bakery. Over the decades, the property was home to John Berger Bakery, neighborhood grocery businesses, and later the longtime location of Hodson Cleaners, a name still closely associated with the building today. Featuring a striking historic brick façade, distinctive architectural details, and excellent visibility along Frederick Avenue, this property offers a unique combination of historic character and versatile commercial potential. The building provides shop and workspace with retail possibilities, while the upper level offers potential for future residential use, including the possibility of an apartment, subject to applicable zoning and approvals. The rear portion of the building is currently utilized as an auto dent repair shop and has received substantial recent improvements, including a newly constructed office and bathroom, new electrical service, new HVAC, new plumbing, and a new garage door. The electrical, HVAC, and plumbing improvements have been made in the rear half of the building and basement. Whether envisioned for an owner-operated business, retail concept, workshop, service business, mixed-use investment, or future redevelopment, this building offers exceptional flexibility in a recognizable historic setting. A rare opportunity to own a distinctive piece of St. Joseph’s past while creating its next chapter.