The 1788 state capitol designed by Thomas Jefferson stands a few blocks north of the Richbrau Brewing Co.

A few blocks south runs a 1785 canal championed by George Washington.

And down the cobblestone street in the historic Shockoe Slip neighborhood sits the birthplace of American freedom of religion

In the middle of it all, Richbrau's owner Mike Byrne makes his own beer and serves hamburgers.

"Cities need to take advantage of their historic backgrounds," he said. "We have wonderful history. That's why I'm here."

Tom Lemon, principal planner for the Toledo-Lucas County Planning Commission, said the city needs to build on its past. "We have a collection of buildings from the late 19th and early 20th century. They portray kind of a different period in history," he said. "It's a pretty neat example of architecture."