Business Spotlight: ARK Restoration and Construction – Revitalizing Toledo One Building at a Time

A Conversation with ARK Restoration and Construction co-owner Ambrea Mikolajczyk

"Toledo is full of opportunities to make a positive impact, and I’m proud to contribute to making our city the best it can be. Restoring forgotten buildings isn’t just about construction—it’s about bringing new life to neighborhoods and preserving the history that makes our community special."- Ambrea Mikolajczyk co-owner of ARK Restoration and Construction

“ARK Restoration and Construction exemplifies the power of purpose-driven development. Kevin and Ambrea’s passion for intentional investment is transforming their hometown, one project at a time. Their strategic approach to redevelopment not only revitalizes buildings but also catalyzes further investment in the surrounding area. Toledo thrives because of visionary, purpose-driven companies like ARK.” – Brandon Sehlhorst, Director of Economic Development

What inspired you to start ARK Restoration and Construction?
My husband, Kevin, who co-owns ARK with me, and I spent nearly a decade renovating single-family homes and duplexes before the idea for ARK took shape. In 2007, we purchased a property, and that project set everything in motion. The turning point came when we began restoring a former tobacco factory, built in 1966, in downtown Toledo’s Warehouse District. The building was in severe disrepair, with massive holes in the roof and back wall when we acquired it from the Lucas County Land Bank.

After completing the renovation, people started reaching out, asking if we could help restore their homes, offices, and buildings. Along the way, we had developed a specialized skill set for bringing Toledo’s architectural treasures back to life. We also built a talented team to handle acquisition, financing, design, permitting, and construction. It became clear that we had an opportunity—not just to launch a business, but to fill a real need in the community.

Can you tell us about some of your projects and why you chose Toledo?
Our largest and most challenging project to date was the restoration of a former Wonder Bread factory. It took us four years and $7.5 million to complete, but with the help of LISC, the Lucas County Land Bank, ProMedica, and the State of Ohio Historic Tax Credit Program, we transformed the 80,000-square-foot building into 33 luxury loft apartments. The factory had sat vacant for over 20 years as an eyesore in the Historic Vistula Neighborhood—now, it’s a vibrant and thriving space.

I’m also incredibly proud of our team for restoring a mid-rise in the historic Old West End, an eight-unit apartment building that had been a site of illegal activity for years. This complex project required a full renovation down to the studs, including new electrical, mechanicals, plumbing, and a completely reimagined layout. Despite the extensive work, we preserved the original hardwood floors. The building, located directly across from The Rosary Cathedral, is now a beautiful asset to the neighborhood. When construction was complete, we held an open house, and neighbors shared how relieved they were to see the eyesore gone. The transformation not only eliminated blight but also restored pride to the block, making it one of our most rewarding projects.

Toledo is home. I was raised with a deep sense of pride in my city, taking part in everything it had to offer—from Portside and the Toledo Zoo to the Art Museum, the park system, and the YMCA, specifically Wayman Palmer, where my parents played volleyball every Saturday morning. I also attended the Catholic Club and Toledo Day Nursery, which I later learned was the first childcare facility in Ohio. After graduating from Start High School (TPS proud!) and earning a scholarship to the University of Toledo, I couldn’t imagine starting a business anywhere else. Toledo is full of opportunities to make a positive impact, and I’m proud to contribute to making our city the best it can be.

Did you get any funding support from the city? And if so, how did that help you in your business?
I’ve received a great deal of support from the City of Toledo, particularly in securing Historic Tax Credits. Competing for these awards at the state level wouldn’t be possible without the City’s backing. I’ve also benefited from financial support through Façade Improvement Grants and White Box Grants, which are incredibly helpful in activating spaces and attracting businesses to newly renovated properties. Without these grants, funding vacant and complex projects would be much more challenging.

As a woman in business, have you faced any unique challenges, and how did you overcome them?
The biggest challenge I face is being underestimated. There’s often an assumption that my business isn’t capable, doesn’t have the capacity, or that I lack the business acumen to perform at a high level. In many rooms, my abilities are questioned—while other businesses in the same space don’t receive a single doubt. Somehow, the perception persists that I lack the "know-how" or "business fortitude" to succeed. It’s small-minded and short-sighted, and I choose not to work with people who think that way. Despite the noise, I keep moving forward. I focus on showing what my team and I are capable of rather than explaining it.

Who are the women who have inspired you most, either in your personal life or in your career?
So many women have inspired me! First and foremost, the women in my family—my mother, grandmother, and aunts—who have an almost supernatural ability to get things done, no matter how difficult the situation. I had a front-row seat to their resilience and perseverance. While I haven’t faced the same struggles they did, I draw strength from their example when times get tough.

My business idol is Madam C.J. Walker. Born to formerly enslaved parents, she became the first woman in the U.S. to build and run a multi-million-dollar business. If she could achieve that at a time when Black women had almost no rights, then I have no excuse. I refuse to complain—I am determined to be a great businesswoman in 2025.

Can you tell me a little bit about yourself?
I'm a creative, married mother of four who wears many hats, including real estate developer, construction company owner, TEDx speaker, and soon-to-be author. After 15 years as a pharmaceutical sales manager, I left corporate America to pursue my passion for restoring historic architecture.

Alongside my husband, Kevin, I apply my skills to growing and strengthening our businesses. To date, our company has renovated numerous homes and buildings for ourselves and clients throughout Northwest Ohio. One of our most notable projects was the redevelopment of the historic Wonder Bread Factory, transforming it into 33 luxury loft apartments. The project earned both the American Institute of Architects Award and the Ohio Heritage Award for Outstanding Large Restoration. Our latest historic redevelopment projects include the renovation of The Spitzer Arcade and The Nicholas Buildings—Toledo’s first skyscrapers.

I have a deep passion for designing and revitalizing “undesirable properties” in neighborhoods that need them most. I focus on restoring and beautifying forgotten buildings with meticulous attention to quality and detail.

A Toledo native, I am dedicated to the success of my hometown. I earned a Bachelor of Science in Pharmacy from The University of Toledo, where I also played volleyball. Actively engaged in the community, I serve on the boards of the Toledo Regional Chamber of Commerce, the Toledo Warehouse District Association, and The Metroparks Foundation. I have received numerous awards across Ohio for my contributions and am involved in organizations committed to making a positive impact.

My mission is to serve the community through real estate development, construction, and inspiration—encouraging others to leave their mark by using their natural gifts.

ARK Restoration & Construction
Hours: Monday – Friday 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Closed Saturday and Sunday
Phone: (567) 275-1535
Website: https://arktoledo.com/

First Image: Wonderbread Building, renovated by Ark Restoration & Construction
Second Image: Ambrea Mikolajczyk in her home office
Third Image: Ambrea Mikolajczyk in her home
Last Image: Former tobacco factory, built in 1966, renovated by Ark Restoration & Construction