Essex House Gets New Life
ASHLAND — For years, the Essex House at 1 E. Main Street has been a troubled landmark in downtown Ashland. Residents took to social media with desperate pleas about deteriorating living conditions, from leaky roofs to stifling summer heat. Frustrations were often directed at Mayor Matt Miller, with critics claiming the city wasn’t doing enough.
But behind the scenes, Mayor Miller was working to connect the right people with the problem. That connection came in July 2025, when Aspen Management owner Matt Wurster purchased the Essex House, setting the stage for one of downtown’s most significant turnarounds in years.
A Rescue for a Building on the Brink
The Essex House, once close to foreclosure, had long been a “rough spot” in the heart of downtown. Wurster, a lifelong Ashlander with a track record in multifamily housing and urban rehabilitation, said the decision to buy was rooted in both professional experience and personal pride.
“This building was in rough shape for a long time,” Wurster said. “The mayor and I talked about it, and I thought, you know, I’ve got experience in multifamily apartments and in rehabbing old buildings. This one fit well. It was time to step in and fix it up.”
Mayor Miller praised Wurster’s decision to take on the challenge:
“We are so fortunate that one of our very own Ashlanders has stepped forward to invest a significant amount of money in this important downtown building,” Miller said. “We pitched the idea of renovating the building to a number of developers—but the expense of doing so, caused the others to walk away. I am so thankful to have someone like Matt Wurster here in our community, someone who not only understands the financial challenges of maintaining the building, but cares about the people who live there—and is willing to invest in the bigger vision of what our downtown can become.”
Immediate Upgrades Already Underway
Renovations began quickly after the purchase. Wurster’s team has already tackled the two biggest issues:
A new roof to stop years of leaks.
A modern HVAC system to replace the failing unit that left residents sweltering in 100+ degree hallways.
Elevator repairs are in progress, and 155 brand-new windows are set to be installed. Wurster declined to share dollar figures, but called the expenses “very substantial.”
“There’s a lot of deferred maintenance in this building. These are things that just have to be done to make it safe and livable again,” he said.
Rent Concerns Addressed
For current residents, the question of rising rent was top of mind. Wurster reassured them that rents will remain within HUD guidelines for the next several years, keeping the Essex House an affordable option for low-income residents.
Tenants have already expressed relief at the changes, saying the promise of warmth in the winter and cool air in the summer is a major step toward improving their quality of life.
Full Circle Moment for Ashland
The work has even brought back familiar faces. When Aber’s Towing & Crane Service arrived to hoist new HVAC equipment onto the roof, the same operator who installed the system 30 years ago was back in the crane cab to replace it.
“It’s kind of a full-circle moment,” Wurster said with a smile.
A Symbol of Downtown’s Momentum
For Wurster, the project isn’t just about bricks and mortar—it’s about people.
“The residents here have had some tough times. We want to help them have a better place to live, cool in the summer, warm in the winter. This is another step in making downtown stronger,” he said.
Mayor Miller echoed that optimism, saying projects like the Essex House renovation add to the wave of progress reshaping the city.
“Ashland is on the rise,” Miller said. “And with partners like Matt Wurster, we’re proving that even our toughest challenges can become opportunities for growth.”
