News

Groundbreaking Celebrates the Renovation of Former Union High School in Downtown Willoughby

Willoughby, OH – [September 10, 2024] – The City of Willoughby recently hosted a groundbreaking ceremony celebrating the renovation of the historic Willoughby Union High School.

Mayor Bob Fiala was joined by city and county officials, project developers, and community leaders to commemorate this transformative project. The renovation of the historic school, which has been a community landmark for over 100 years, serves as a capstone project in the preservation of the downtown historic district.

“The renovation of Union High is a perfect example of preserving our city’s rich history while fostering growth and development,” said Mayor Bob Fiala. “This project will not only provide much-needed housing but will enhance the vibrancy and appeal of our downtown area.”

Led by Sol Harris/Day Architecture, the project aims to retain the building’s historic charm while incorporating modern amenities for today’s residents. The renovated building will feature 40 market-rate apartments, including a mix of studios, a two-bedroom/two-bathroom apartment, and primarily one-bedroom, one-bathroom units. Residents will enjoy an urban living experience with shops and restaurants in downtown Willoughby just steps away.

“Towns like Willoughby are special places, and to be part of its growth is really exciting for us. We are proud to be a part of this community,” says Jim Loveman, a principal of Amerimar Realty Company.

This project, eight years in the making, was initiated by former Mayor David Anderson. A project of this scale involves the collaboration of many organizations, many of whom were present at the ceremony.

The Lake County Commissioners recently granted $250,000 to assist in the renovation and restoration of the building. “We are proud to be able to participate in this project. It is great for Willoughby and western Lake County,” said County Commissioner Rich Regovich. (link to NH article)

Justin Cook of the State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO), which awarded the project a $2 million historic tax credit, was also in attendance. (link to NH article)

Mayor Fiala thanked Willoughby-Eastlake Superintendent Dr. Patrick Ward and the school board for their dedication and support. The school district, which previously owned Willoughby Union High, sold the building to the City of Willoughby in 2017 as part of an effort to divest underutilized assets.  The city then sold the property to the developer, allowing the district to benefit financially from the sale.

Willoughby City Council President Bob Carr added “Two years from now, ten years from now, even 20 years from now, we are going to look back with such pride on this cornerstone of this park.”

The project is expected to be complete by July 2025.