Preschoolers will soon breathe new life into a historic downtown Lorain building.
Head Start offices and classrooms have moved into 1949 Broadway Ave. The public is invited to tour the facility at an Open House event on Thursday, June 30.
The 24,000-square-foot building, which formerly housed a Chase Bank branch and offices, was built at the beginning of the 20th century, according to owner and developer Jon Veard of United Properties. A major renovation of the building was done in 1997, Veard said.
Head Start Director Shauna Matelski, Assistant Director Stefanie Drew and other management and support staff have relocated to the building now known as Central Plaza. There will also be offices for home visitors in the agency’s Home-Based Head Start program.
Three classrooms will open in the fall, accommodating up to 60 students, with a particular emphasis on those who need year-round services. The site will feature an indoor play space in the former bank branch.
Work on the building included updated lighting, replacement of flooring and a lot of paint, Matelski said. The unique stained glass windows were preserved. Some will be in a classroom, some in offices and a large skylight remains over the indoor play space.
The open house will begin at 4 p.m with a ribbon cutting Self-guided tours will be open to the public following the ribbon cutting ceremony through 6 p.m. Refreshments will be provided.
Please register for the open house here: https://form.jotform.com/221494494737164