He's investing in riverfront property - Saturday, November 28, 2009 | Courier Electronic Edition

Local News

Saturday, November 28, 2009

He's investing in riverfront property

By LOU WILIN

STAFF WRITER

Robert Schuck hopes his new family entertainment center, Pirates Cove, will help revive downtown Findlay and start more development along the Blanchard River.

"Everybody tells me that Findlay needs this," said Schuck, an attorney and Findlay City Council president.

"I hope it will provide family entertainment downtown at a reasonable cost," he said.

Schuck has invested more than $300,000 and a lot of imagination and work toward that end. Pirates Cove opens at 10 a.m. Friday at 230 E. Front St., on the south bank of the river at the former location of Details Auto Spa.

Pirates Cove will offer a "Shiver Me Timbers" laser tag arena and an "Arrrgh-cade" and Treasure Room with 30 games.

A "Walk Da Plank bounce house," to be added in January, will have a plank from which children can jump onto a trampoline. The bounce house will have additional inflatable structures for kids to bounce on.

But the laser tag arena is the heart of it all. Children will approach it via a darkened hallway illuminated by fluorescent paintings, by artist Oscar Velasquez, of pirates and ships on the walls.

Inside, a wooden pirate ship dominates an 18th century New Orleans cove and menaces the nearby storefronts.

Schuck said it's every man, woman and child fighting for themselves in the arena, firing laser guns from the ship's deck, portholes or from the two-story building facades. Nooks and crannies inside the ship add to the disorder, providing hiding places to shoot friends passing by or overhead.

Pirates Cove also will serve pizza and other fast foods and has two party rooms.

"I wanted to do something downtown and I wanted to do something near the river because many towns view their rivers as an asset. We have viewed it as a liability. We need to view our river as an asset and do things like this," Schuck said.

In venturing into riverfront development, Schuck is braving untested waters for himself.

He has a law practice like his parents did. His mother, Margaretta, was Hancock County juvenile and probate judge in the 1960s. His father, Robert, was Hancock County prosecutor in the 1950s and a state representative in the 1960s and 1970s.

But Schuck's legal blood has a creative side. His riverfront development idea began seven years ago and it has evolved.

"I thought this would be a great place for a seafood restaurant," he said.

He called a couple of restaurant chains but could not interest them. So he dropped that idea.

He also researched offering indoor miniature golf. About 18 months ago, he met with the owner of a family entertainment center in Cincinnati to view his miniature golf course. That center has laser tag, and the owner recommended Schuck offer it, too.

"He said what really turns the numbers (at his play center) ... is the laser tag," Schuck said.

So Schuck found a laser tag system online.

"When I paid $20,000 for that laser tag, I said, 'Well, I guess I'm going to do this,'" he said.

Each laser tag vest costs about $1,000, and is part of a computer system that counts points when it is tagged by a laser.

"It's a very elaborate system," he said.

In renovating the 25,000-square-foot building and planning Pirates Cove, Schuck drew inspiration from Walt Disney. He read the book, "How to be like Walt," which discusses how Disney persevered through great difficulty.

Schuck could relate.

"I have had a lot of struggles doing this and I have just set my jaw up, going forward and learned a lot, made mistakes along the way," he said.

One big mistake, he said, was underestimating the size and difficulty of the undertaking. He replaced the two furnaces at the old car shop with three new ones. He replaced the plumbing, installed new bathrooms and upgraded the electrical systems.

He gave the building a new facade with beams and boards from old barns. The pirate ship in the laser tag area was built with old barn materials, too.

It all was exciting to put together but it also took much longer than anticipated, Schuck said.

"Our projected opening date was September 2008, then it was December, then it was March (2009), then it was June and now it is December," Schuck said.

Schuck faced other challenges. The financial crisis hit in 2008, making credit hard to obtain.

Then he got an inner-ear ailment that upset his balance and hospitalized him for a while. In all, he was off work six weeks.

After that, he broke an ankle when a ladder fell from under him while he was working on Pirates Cove.

Now opening day is only days away. Along with his hopes, he brings to it lessons learned from Walt Disney, which he put into practice.

"Never give up, never give up," he said, his voice rising lyrically the second time. "And pursue your dreams, believe."

He is not quitting his day job as an attorney. Pirates Cove will be managed by someone who recently managed a restaurant in Findlay.

Pirates Cove will be open from 10 a.m. to midnight Fridays and Saturdays; 1 to 9 p.m. Sundays; and 4 to 9 p.m. Tuesdays through Thursdays. During Christmas break, it will open at 10 a.m. on Tuesdays through Thursdays.

Its party rooms can be reserved by calling 419-423-9999.

Wilin: 419-427-8413,

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7 Comments

Latest comments listed first.

JLS wrote:

good for Bob!!

I think this is a great idea. Kids need a place to go and have some fun with their families. It is ridiculous to have to drive out of town to go somewhere to enjoy any family entertainment. This sounds like a great place for kids to burn off some energy! I hope this takes off and helps revive the downtown area! We need more places like this! Why would anyone be negative about it?? It is a shame that whenever anyone tries to to open a business in this town they are not supported whole heartily from their community; especially since this is a family center!! As for liability insurance, well yes that may be an expense, but an expense that several other businesses like chuck E cheese takes on and if Bob is willing to accept that expense why is that anyone else's problem? If we let downtown die, then it will... waiting for something to happen. I am sure that Bob has taken into consideration about flood issues. ANYONE building or opening a business right now is reminded of it considerably by building inspections and codes and will have to adjust accordingly and carry the appropriate insurance.
You have my support Bob as another business owner getting ready to open in the area!

Sunday, December 06, 2009 12:01:50 PM

KC Allen wrote:

Naysayers

You should all be ashamed of yourselves. I know Bob and I know he wanted to do something good that people will enjoy. All of you who think that there's nothing to do here in Findlay should think again. For you who are negative about Bob's idea, why not go down and have a good time for an afternoon and try it out? He told me about the idea two years ago, and I for one hope it works out. At least it's a warm place to go this winter to have some family fun!

Saturday, December 05, 2009 11:41:32 PM

Jean wrote:

hypocritical actions

Anyone who buys this flood plain for development are idiots and are surely planning on stealing the public's money. The whole idea of minimizing flood destruction and waste of taxpayer money is to prevent building in flood prone areas. If they build - No Insurance and no taxpayer bailout should be written into the law for those parcels. The fact that a city "leader" is planning on investing in such an area is like the lead lemming jumping down to a small ledge below the cliff while the rest of the species dive off the rocks to their death.

Sunday, November 29, 2009 11:36:20 AM

james wrote:

7 ft water

The liability insurances and the forecasted operating cash will be very hard to over come
I for one would never invest in such a thing .

Sunday, November 29, 2009 8:09:23 AM

j wrote:

Building in the Flood plain

Here is a perfect example of why Findlay will never solve the down town flood problem. While one group is trying to buy up property and limit development in the flood plain, another part of government doesn't believe there is a problem and is building in the flood plain. Mean while tax payers will see their taxes go up and up and when time comes to actual implement a flood plain policy nothing will get done.

Saturday, November 28, 2009 11:49:34 PM

Jimbo wrote:

Can you say Flood Zone?

I find it very interesting to note that as the City, County, State and Federal Government are spending money to buy up land, houses and businesses in the Flood Zone....the president of City Council is investing large money there.

Can you say...."Planned Loss Asset"?

Saturday, November 28, 2009 9:03:31 PM

Barry wrote:

Remembering the Findlay Curse

Anything new does not last in Findlay. It is just the way the curse works. It will be interesting for awhile then it will slowly peter out. Very risky investing in a downtown business, especially a Flood prone area, right now (economy). Why not just convert it to a really nice downtown walking park with plants and trees to bring song birds and more flora and fauna. I've been to other Pirate Coves (chain) and they are new and exciting at first, till the newness wears off. The punk kids take over and then no one wants thier kids to go there. It starts to go down hill till closure raises its ugly but inevitable head.
Don't get me wrong, I would not wish it, I just don't see the logic in it. Look at the historic record for these types of businesses in Findlay. Once again it sounds as though the city has found another sucker with money to burn. All I can recommend is to build it, make your money quick and sell before the downturn or undertow drags you down. Good Luck!!! Your gonna need it. . .

Saturday, November 28, 2009 3:06:56 PM

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LITTLE ROCK NINE: Jefferson Thomas, who was among nine black students initially barred by the Arkansas governor from attending Little Rock Central High School in 1957, spoke to Findlay students as part of Black History Month. The crisis was a pivotal moment in the struggle for civil rights.

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LOCAL NEWS

LATEST COMMENTS Last 10 comments submitted by our readers...

Holly wrote in article "Officials say stuck cars may be towed":

Snow Snow Snow!!!

Why should I be the one who gets a ticket when at my job I have to go in no matter the level? Sat when it was a level 3 I had to...

2/9/2010 3:52:55 PM

Mark wrote in article "Officials say stuck cars may be towed":

Snow, snow and more snow

We should all know by now, it's going to snow, but you know, people still want to go when we all know we better not go.

2/9/2010 2:47:48 PM

tim wrote in article "Officials say stuck cars may be towed":

Kyle....It's another story

This was definately a City of Findlay plow. Just wondering....

2/9/2010 2:45:32 PM

A wrote in article "Sheriff reminds motorists of road level advisories":

Thank You!

I would like to thank all those involved in the city and county who are trying very hard to make the best of a bad storm. Yes,...

2/9/2010 2:36:10 PM

Understanding wrote in article "Officials say stuck cars may be towed":

snow

I don't think the woman who complained that "too much snow had been piled at the end of her street, blocking her view" was in th...

2/9/2010 2:28:17 PM

Kyle wrote in article "Officials say stuck cars may be towed":

To Tim

It's a very good possibility that a plow with it's blade up was not a City of Findlay plow. Many people have their own plows and...

2/9/2010 1:17:57 PM

HLB wrote in article "Officials say stuck cars may be towed":

That's really sad...

You know, people are rude enough most of the time in this city and this last storm when random folks pulled together and I saw t...

2/9/2010 12:32:18 PM

rob wrote in article "Officials say stuck cars may be towed":

pile of snow

I cannot believe someone would call up and complain that a pile of snnow was blocking their view. What is this world coming to....

2/9/2010 11:38:49 AM

tim wrote in article "Officials say stuck cars may be towed":

put the blades down this time

Can someone please tell me why I see and saw several snowplows driving down streets that needed plowed with the blades up?

2/9/2010 10:39:25 AM

Jimbo wrote in article "Sheriff reminds motorists of road level advisories":

To Debbie..

I want to express that I understand where you are going with your post, but be practical. If a level 3 is called, that means no...

2/9/2010 10:35:28 AM

U.S. Headlines

World News

Ohio News

News Briefs D.C. trip delayed
A trip to Washington, D.C. that Findlay and Ottawa officials were planning to make this week has been postponed because of the inclement weather.

Findlay Mayor Pete Sehnert said officials have rescheduled the trip for Feb. 23 to meet with a lobbying group and congressional representatives regarding federal spending on flood control projects.

Fostoria requires clearing sidewalks
FOSTORIA -- Fostoria residents are responsible for removing snow and ice from sidewalks within 12 hours of a storm, according to police Capt. Patrick Brooks.

The city code covers residential owners or tenants, and business owners of properties which abut a sidewalk.

An offense is a minor misdemeanor, with a fine of up to $100. Each day constitutes a separate offense.

Library in Forest reschedules event
FOREST -- Because of the expected inclement weather, the Forest-Jackson Public Library has rescheduled its Valentine luncheon planned for Thursday to 11:30 a.m. Thursday, Feb. 18.

Reservations are required. Anyone with questions can call the library at 419-273-2400.

Disc golf tourney set for Saturday
The Ray Heverling Charity Ice Bowl Tournament has been rescheduled for 1 p.m. Saturday at Riverbend Recreation Area, off Ohio 568 east of Findlay.

Registration begins at noon.

The tournament was canceled last Saturday because of a snowstorm.

The Disc Golf Community Association, in cooperation with the Hancock Park District, sponsors the event. Proceeds go to the Family Center of Findlay-Hancock County.

For more information contact Nathan Buck at p_nate@thecatalystcc.com or 419-306-7405. Entry fee is $20. Additional donations are accepted.

Housing Authority meeting postponed
Because of an expected winter storm this week, the Hancock Metropolitan Housing Authority has canceled its regular board meeting scheduled for Thursday. It will be held at 8 a.m. Thursday, Feb. 18 at the Family Center.

Fostoria library to close Monday
FOSTORIA -- Kaubisch Memorial Public Library will be closed Monday, Feb. 15, in observance of Presidents Day.

Crime Of The Week
Findlay/Hancock County Crime Stoppers is looking for information about a break-in at the Arlington Pharmacy, 200 Main St., at 12:51 a.m. Dec. 28.

A glass pane in the front door of the business was shattered, and entry was made. Once inside, the perpetrators took prescription medications and fled on foot.

Two white males were seen running from the business. The males were possibly in their late teens to early 20s, and possibly entered a vehicle.

People with information about this or any other crime that would lead to an arrest or indictment will be eligible for a cash reward of up to $1,000.

Crime Stoppers can be called weekdays from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. at 419-425-TIPS or 419-425-8477. Callers can remain anonymous.

The Web site is www.hancockcrimestoppers.org.

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Saturday, November 28, 2009

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