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Officials debate whether to demolish or renovate 418 Broadway, the former Style Center
Summary
City and county officials discussed structural and historic concerns about the former Style Center at 418 Broadway, noting age, a flooded basement and a possible $250,000 state encumbrance tied to a prior arts-center plan; commissioners asked staff to gather more data and arrange a site tour.
Board members and city officials debated options for the former Style Center at 418 Broadway after staff raised structural concerns.
Matt Kusznir, representing the City of Lorain, said the building is "over 100 years old" and described a flooded basement and structural risks to neighboring historic properties. He identified the owner as John Veard Jr. Commissioner Marty Gallagher pressed staff for specifics — square footage and current market value — and asked for a site tour, saying he "does not like to see historic building torn down." Commissioner David J. Moore suggested the owner consider exterior repairs such as replacing windows and the back wall instead of demolition. Mayor Jack Bradley told the board there is an earlier $250,000 state encumbrance associated with a stalled plan to convert the building into an arts center and asked staff to check whether those funds remain available.
The board did not take a vote. Minutes show commissioners plan to gather additional information and possibly hold a special meeting to decide between renovation and demolition options. The discussion flagged competing priorities: structural safety and flood remediation versus historic-preservation aims.
