ANN ARBOR, MI - Vogel's Lock and Safe is closing after more than a century of business in downtown Ann Arbor.

Owner Robert Vogel confirmed the closure Thursday, March 22 and said family members who operate the residential and commercial locksmith business at 113 W. Washington are the fourth generation and ready for retirement.

Signs on the door explain their reasoning for the closure, along with chalk paint that says the last day of business is Friday, March 30.

"Dear Valued Customer: As of March 30, 2018, Denise and I will be retiring and Vogel's Lock & Safe will be going out of business," the sign said. "We also wanted to take the time to thank you for being a loyal customer."

It goes on to explain that Vogel's has partnered with fellow family-owned locksmith business Howlett Lock and Door to service current customers.

Those with questions about the closure are encouraged to contact Vogel's Lock and Safe at 734-668-6863.

Several family members, including Robert Vogel, grew up at the business, open since 1913 in downtown Ann Arbor.

"I've been here since I was four years old," Vogel said.

He attributed the closure to retirement, adding that he retired from the Ann Arbor Fire Department in 2016, and has since taken on a part-time position as fire chief in South Lyon.

There's also a lack of interest in continuing the business by the next generation.

"It's just good timing," Vogel said.

Vogel's is well-known in the Ann Arbor community, with thousands of people walking past its business and catching glimpses of the rough-coat collie Mazey Blu napping in the window.