Community Center opens downtown

Extended Housing Inc. recently opened a new community center in downtown Painesville.

The center is part of the Extended Housing Wellness Center at 270 E. Main St.

Extended Housing provides safe, affordable and quality housing for individuals with severe and persistent mental illness. The nonprofit owns and manages 19 properties throughout Lake County, according to its website.

Development Assistant David Waldman said the location is

fitting.

“It is centrally located,” Waldman said. “It allows us to be close to many of our properties.”

The community center is completely renovated and available to the public for rent. Community members, businesses and tenants can use the space for meetings and events, he said.

Painesville Economic Development Director Cathy Bieterman said the community center was one of the best meeting spaces in the area and would provide a valuable resource for the community.

The Extended Housing Wellness Center is also home to multiple tenants, including Bridges, Meals on Wheels and Helping Hispanic Hope.

Waldman said there is availability on the second floor for additional tenants.

A grand opening ceremony was held last month to showcase the community center. The event featured the artwork of artist and Extended Housing client Mardi Snyder. Snyder spoke at the event about being an Extend Housing client and the importance of support for local mental health agencies. Her artwork was for sale at the event and she donated 75 percent of the sales to Extended Housing, according to the news release.

Construction to install an elevator for ADA compliance will begin soon, Waldman said.

For more information about renting the community center or tenant opportunities, contact Administrative Assistant Andrea Mestek at 440-352-8424, ext. 118.