In the heart of Toledo’s Old West End neighborhood stands a grand home that once served as the main residence of the Tiedtke family, one of the city’s most notable names in business and innovation. Today, the same house stands as a symbol of resilience, adding to its legacy as part of Zepf Center’s Recovery Housing Community.
For those who grew up in Toledo, Tiedtke has been a household name since the early 20th century. Thanks to their iconic downtown department store, Tiedtke’s was known for its bustling atmosphere, incredible selection, and the irresistible smell of freshly roasted Parkwood Coffee, named after the family’s beloved home address. For those who shopped there, Tiedtke’s wasn’t just a store; it was a community cornerstone.
Built in 1915, the Tiedtke family brought that same spirit of warmth and hospitality into their home on Parkwood Avenue. Featuring a Foursquare, Arts and Crafts style exterior, the interior offered a stark contrast with classical design and elegant brown cherry wood. Many of the original details are preserved in the home, reflecting the Tiedtkes’ commitment to family, tradition, and style.
“We are proud to continue the legacy of community and hospitality through quality Recovery Housing,” said Senior Director of Recovery Services Branden Smith. “This beautiful home is a place of safety for individuals to rebuild their lives, rebuild their community, and find a sense of purpose on their journey.”
Though the Tiedtke store closed its doors in 1972, the home on Parkwood continues to make an impact in the community as a place of healing and hope. With the help of local champions, dedicated Board members, and hard-working staff, Zepf Center has thoughtfully repurposed the structure into a women’s sober living facility for those in substance use disorder (SUD) recovery. Here, women receive the support and structure they need to recover in a nurturing, sober, and trauma-informed environment.
“Back when I joined the Board, [a fellow Board Member] and I toured the empty Tiedtke House,” said Zepf Center Board of Trustees Member Sally Goligoski. “It took incredible work, a lot of asks, and fundraising events [to renovate the home], but I am so proud that over 1,000 women have stayed there on their road to recovery.”
The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) identifies Home as one of the four Major Dimensions of Recovery, meaning that recovery is best maintained when individuals have a stable and safe place to live. The Tiedtke House is a perfect venue for this, offering a living space where clients can fully focus on healing. Clients residing in Zepf Center Recovery Housing have access to 24/7 staff support, community outing opportunities, and Zepf Center’s full trauma-informed continuum of care. For many individuals, this environment is a turning point where their journey to stability, health, and a new future can begin.
Repurposing historic buildings, like the Tiedtke house, is a powerful act of preservation and progress. It not only protects the community’s history but also infuses old, unused spaces with new meaning. In this case, the Tiedtke home has become a place of collective healing, hope, and recovery, bridging past and present to serve the greater good.
“We are incredibly lucky to carry on the legacy of the Tiedtke family and preserve this gorgeous residence,” said Zepf Center CEO Deb Flores. “Maintaining a historic home like this is not without cost, but it’s worth every dollar to provide our clients with a space that is safe, beautiful, and grounded in community.”
As women walk through the doors of the Parkwood Avenue residence today, they are welcomed into more than just a sober living facility. They are stepping into a home with deep roots in Toledo’s history and becoming a part of the rich, diverse, and historic Old West End community. By merging the strength of the Tiedtke family’s history with the perseverance of those on their recovery journey, the home now stands as a living tribute to healing, hope, and resilience.
Zepf Center is proud to preserve the legacy of the Tiedtke family while continuing to provide compassionate, comprehensive care to those seeking recovery. To help support this mission and allow us to continue caring for this historic structure, visit zepfcenter.org/donate.
For more information about Zepf Center Recovery Housing, SUD treatment options, and our full continuum of trauma-informed care, visit zepfcenter.org or call 419-841-7701.