Loy Real Estate moves up Main

Loy Real Estate and Auction has found a new home, and it didn’t have to go far.
Its new location is just down the road from its old haunt at 212 W. Main St.
The local realty and auction business recently moved into a new storefront in the old Model building at 101 W. Main St. 
Aaron Loy, whose grandfather established the business, said it was in its previous location for as long as he can remember. 
“Probably 25 to 30 years. Longer than my lifetime, I’d say that,” he said.  
The move to the new location comes as Loy and his two sisters — Abby Theurer and Alex Loy — are taking a more active role in the family business.  With that, they decided to present plans to switch locations. 
“They decided with us taking more responsibilities that it was our decision,” Aaron said. 
Ernie Loy founded the business in 1955. It has been at 101 W. Main since 2003. 
“He just always had the goal of moving the business down here, this is like the heart of downtown and he just wanted to see the business grow down here,” said Aaron. 
Patriot Sportswear and Embroidery previously occupied the space. 
Located at the intersection of Main and Meridian streets, the new storefront offers better visibility and increased foot traffic. 
It also includes more office space. 
Settling into new location wasn’t without some rehabilitation work, which included patching up holes in the walls, painting and electrical work. 
Visitors to the new office will notice more decoration than at the old office.
“We didn’t really decorate too much down there,” said Loy. 
The walls of the new spot include old local newspapers as well as various Jay County and Portland memorabilia.
 Also along one of the walls is a piece of stained glass from Aaron’s great-great-great grandparents, highlighting the family aspect of the business.