Discover the Fleishmann Estate Room: Art & Heritage Unite

By Elijah McKenzie, Contributor

Tucked away in a dedicated corner of Northside’s Building Value store is a space unlike any other—a curated showcase of craftsmanship, legacy, and timeless design. Dubbed the Fleischmann Estate Room, it’s one of the most extraordinary collections Building Value has ever had the privilege of salvaging.

The Fleischmann family name carries weight in Cincinnati’s cultural and philanthropic history, and their estate was no exception. Nestled in Indian Hill, the Fleischmann property was a true architectural gem—sprawling, sophisticated, and filled with art and décor that reflected a lifetime of taste, travel, and heritage. When Building Value was selected to deconstruct portions of the estate, it knew immediately that this would be a project of special importance.

Featuring the Art of Ted Gantz

At the heart of the collection is a stunning selection of original works by Ted Gantz, a Cincinnati-based artist whose work is as inventive as it is rare. His work spans sculptural ironwork, abstract furniture, and architectural salvage, blending industrial materials with artistic expression. Influenced by modernist and Brutalist styles, as well as his time in Italy—Gantz created one-of-a-kind pieces that reflect both craftsmanship and creative risk-taking. Whether forging wrought iron gates or building asymmetrical furniture, his art balances form and function in unexpected, often whimsical ways. They stand as a testament to Cincinnati’s artistic talent and the rich creative history the city continues to foster.

From the Fleischmann Estate to Building Value

The Fleischmann Estate in Indian Hill—once home to Charles Fleischmann III, great-grandson of the co-founder of Cincinnati’s Fleischmann Yeast Co.—was a remarkable expression of artistry and elegance. Known for their deep philanthropic roots and support of the arts, the Fleischmann family filled their home with finely crafted, custom-built interior pieces that reflected a refined and eclectic aesthetic.

While select works by Cincinnati artist Ted Gantz were preserved within the estate, the property also showcased the skill of numerous other artisans. From intricate architectural woodwork to hand-carved mantels and bespoke ironwork, every detail was carefully considered.

Thanks to the meticulous efforts of Building Value’s deconstruction crew, many of these heirloom-quality pieces have been salvaged and preserved. For the first time in 2025, these pieces were available to the public—offering a rare opportunity to own a piece of Cincinnati’s artistic and architectural legacy.

Honoring the Past

The Fleischmann Estate Room represents Building Value’s mission at its core: to honor the past while building toward a more sustainable future. Salvaging and repurposing materials isn’t just about reuse—it’s about preserving stories, artistry, and cultural significance. It’s about giving new life to craftsmanship that would otherwise be lost.

Whether you’re an interior designer, a history enthusiast, or someone who simply appreciates one-of-a-kind finds, the Fleischmann Estate Room invites you to experience the intersection of heritage and sustainability firsthand.

The Enduring Legacy of Theodore Gantz

At Building Value, they believe every object has a story. Sometimes, those stories are works of art. This includes a rare and stunning collection of sculptural pieces and hand-painted doors crafted by Cincinnati artist Theodore “Ted” Gantz. Known for his masterful blending of industrial materials with organic elements, Gantz’s work walks the line between fine art and functional design. This exclusive collection includes nautical-themed radiator covers, glass-blown light fixtures, and ornamental sculptures—each one a true one-of-a-kind.

Gantz is a multidisciplinary artist, architect, and designer whose work left a lasting mark on Cincinnati’s creative landscape. Inspired by his frequent visits to Italy, Gantz adopted Florentine sculptural traditions and classical motifs, a talent that can be seen in several of the wrought iron statues Building Value was able to salvage from the Fleischmann Estate.

With a background in architecture and a love for nature, Gantz brought a unique voice to the world of assemblage, or “found-object” sculpture. His designs often merged metalwork and natural elements like seashells, blown glass, and florals—all of which you’ll see in the pieces now on display.

Why These Pieces Matter

These aren’t just quirky home accents. They are museum-worthy pieces of Cincinnati art history: functional works with a sculptural soul. From the ornate radiator covers adorned with starfish to the hand-carved wooden fireplace mantel—each piece tells a story of imagination, craft, and local legacy.

Whether you’re a collector, designer, or just someone who appreciates handcrafted beauty, this is your chance to own rare artwork from Cincinnati legend Ted Gantz—while supporting a workforce development program that builds the future.

About Building Value

Building Value is a social enterprise powered by Easterseals Redwood. Founded in 2004, Building Value was created with two goals: first, to create sustainable training and lucrative career opportunities for people facing challenges to employment; second, to create a construction model and retail store for reclaiming, recycling, and repurposing building materials.

Today, Building Value trains more than 50 clients each year in deconstruction, salvage, retail, and customer service. Our professional deconstruction service works with national and regional builders, developers, and property owners to carefully deconstruct residential and commercial buildings. It treats each structure as a “living classroom” in our training.

This model offers great tax advantages as well as environmentally-conscious options for property owners as we remove all reusable and recyclable elements through deconstruction.

It completed over 450 deconstruction and demolition projects, continually getting referrals from customers including the Cincinnati Port Authority, DBGC Construction, Crapsey & Gilles, The Christ Hospital, the City of Cincinnati, and numerous satisfied residential clients.

Visit their retail store at 4040 Spring Grove Avenue in the heart of Northside’s historic district to see thousands of one-of-a-kind products – including cabinet sets, building materials, and architectural gems – all diverted from landfills, including objects from the Fleischmann Estate.