United Way unveils new Broadway location

The United Way of Lorain County opened its doors to the public in marking the official opening of its new Center for Community Transformation.

The new 642 Broadway Ave. location brings the century-old organization to the heart of downtown Lorain to be part of the city’s urban revitalization efforts. Following a ceremonial ribbon cutting ceremony on Sept. 7, United Way welcomed the public to tour the new location in an open house.

In remarks to supporters, executive director Bill Harper thanked the organization’s board of directors for their vision and the strong partnership with the City of Lorain.

“We are thrilled to be a part of what’s good about Lorain County,” Harper said.

He said in the threeyear process the board settled on an urban location in order to maximize its impact on the community and the people it serves, with the building offering ample opportunities with increased community and volunteer space.

“If there is anyone out there that is looking for a cool place to put a business and to be part of something, I really think we are at a tipping point

with downtown Lorain,” Harper said. “We’ve got the lake, we’ve got the river. It’s really a good opportunity and we are excited to be a part of that transformation.”

The 8,000-square-foot building was constructed in 2002 and is more than double the size of the previous location. It sits on the former location of the Tivoli Theater, which operated

until 1977 and sat vacant until it was demolished in 1987.

“We want to be a part of the revitalization in downtown Lorain and partnering with the Fire Fish and all the great people who are down here… The Palace Theater, it puts us right in the heart of this and we are just excited to be part of the neighborhood,” said Ryan Aroney,

marketing and development director.

Mayor Chase Ritenauer praised United Way and its commitment to downtown Lorain.

“It feels great,” Ritenauer said. “This is exactly what we want when you look at major cities. I was in Portland last year and downtown Cleveland and a lot of major cities have a United Way presence

downtown so I think it just adds to what we’re trying to do on Broadway. I’m really glad it worked out and they’ve done a tremendous job inside.”

In partnering with the city United Way was able to purchase the building in a $600,000 project marking the first time they have owned a building in the organization’s 100 year history.

ERIC BONZAR — THE MORNING JOURNAL Bill Harper, executive director at United Way of Greater Lorain County, and Carrie Sechel, board president, cut the ribbon on the organization’s new facility at 642 Broadway Ave., in Lorain, Sept. 7.