Community to benefit by investment in the LaSalle Building

The Historic LaSalle Theatre Building located at 819-829 East 185th Street is about to undergo repairs to the limestone façade and roof repairs. The repairs are being funded by the Ohio Finance Fund in the amount of $100,000. Northeast Shores applied for and received funding for the project through a competitive process. The building was purchased by Northeast Shores in October of 2009 from Park View Federal Savings and Loan with financing provided by Village Capital Corporation.

Duke Young, Owner of Federated Auto Parts, commented, “I feel like many of the business owners in the district. Making this building whole again will benefit everyone, businesses and residents alike. Blight in our commercial district hurts us two- fold in that the buildings impact the commercial and residential community. The LaSalle certainly is blighted and currently is not a very nice welcome mat to our area. The ability of Northeast Shores to take on this project with the community should be supported. Working to seek the improvements to the building that are needed to attract business and residents to the area is encouraging in these economic times. Everyone will be lifted through this effort.”  

The building was subjected to deferred maintenance and inappropriate restoration over a number of years and has been vacant for several months. The front elevation has been barricaded for safety concerns about falling limestone on pedestrians. These improvements will  begin the process of  restoring the faith in this important historic anchor leading to the next steps of occupying the storefronts, planning the renovation of the apartment units on the second floor, and seeking a tenant for the 12,000 square feet LaSalle Theatre Space. The repairs will be an important first step in bringing the building to productivity once again. At a recent public tour and charrette meeting, a wish list was shared which includes 1) that the historic structure be restored and 2) that the LaSalle become an anchor for the street; a "destination location" that ties into and supports other activities and businesses on East 185th and the Waterloo Arts District. Some ideas for the use of the theatre were also generated at the charrette.  

Dr. Richard Kozan DDS, also located on East 185th Street stated, “It’s going to be a thrill to have the East 185th Street landmark addressed and the improvements underway.  If we can get the buiding looking presentable again and begin leasing it to promising tenants, we'll be on our way. It's going to be a pleasure to see."  He added, "I'm just tired of looking at those orange barrels.

For further information about the project or to inquire about storefront leasing or the planned apartments, please call or e-mail John Boksansky at Northeast Shores Development Corporation (216) 481-7660 jboksansky@northeastshores.org .  

 

John Boksansky is the Business District Manager for Northeast Shores Development Corporation