Economic thrust in downtown Lorain continues into 2024 | Editorial

Economic momentum is continuing in downtown Lorain with two more new businesses opening in the last two months, and it should bode well for the International City in 2024.

The latest development is RE/MAX Above and Beyond opened an office at 404 Broadway.

Justin Costanzo, director of operations for RE/MAX Above and Beyond, which has offices in Westlake, Middleburg Heights, Broadview Heights, Brecksville and Hudson, says the company sees potential in Lorain’s real estate scene.

Costanzo wants RE/MAX Above and Beyond to be at the forefront of the rebuilding of Lorain, especially on Broadway.

The office opened Nov. 1 with a ribbon-cutting Nov. 15.

Costanzo realized that Lorain has a high transaction rate and that home prices are much lower than in other parts of the country.

Believe this: Costanzo and RE/MAX Above and Beyond wouldn’t have invested in Lorain if they didn’t believe that over the next three to five years, that this area is going to thrive.

Although Costanzo is excited about the future of the company in Lorain, he stated there is a challenge opening during the winter when there is not a lot of foot traffic.

So, Costanzo is eagerly awaiting the arrival of spring because of the potential of some new businesses opening in downtown that could generate more foot traffic.

RE/MAX Above and Beyond has three employees, but Costanzo is focusing on hiring quality agents to fill out 10-12 positions.

Costanzo pointed out that the Lorain community was helpful in getting the office set up.

Several people have stopped by and welcomed the company to downtown.

And there’s been some collaboration between RE/MAX Above and Beyond and Jason Shaffer, who owns Magdalen’s Gallery and Espresso at 633 Broadway in downtown.

Shaffer, who opened his coffee shop in May, did all of the artwork for the RE/MAX Above and Beyond office.

Costanzo also credits Lorain City Hall for being welcoming with its assistance and help in the process of opening.

RE/MAX Above and Beyond wasn’t the only business that opened since November and is calling downtown Lorain home.

The Gilmore restaurant, which is inside the Ariel Broadway Hotel, 301 Broadway, in the space formerly occupied by Dodie’s Dockside, is serving up customers with a unique culinary experience.

Dodie’s Dockside closed in late October.

Roosevelt Samuel, co-owner of The Gilmore, said the restaurant focuses on fine dining and cocktails, and Ohio-based food with an international flair.

Samuel, along with his cousin Royce Lasion and Dave Gilmore, held a soft opening Nov. 1 for The Gilmore.

For three years, the three co-owners have worked on the concept.

The men deserve credit for taking a chance, and then seeing it come to fruition.

More people should take a chance on their dreams just as The Gilmore owners did.

And the restaurant seems to be successful.

Samuel and his partners have been specific about what they want from the new restaurant.

They strive for perfection in all three key areas that they believe a restaurant needs to succeed; they want to get it right the first time.

The Gilmore restaurant stresses good customer service, quality food, beverages and cocktails, and the ambiance.

Downtown Lorain saw other businesses open in mid-2023.

Shaffer’s Magdalen’s Gallery and Espresso is similar to a classic cafe, with a European-style menu and is espresso-driven.

Shaffer still will operate Jason Shaffer Photography, which is in the same building.

The gallery aspect will function as a display for both Shaffer and other local artists.

The main area is for Shaffer’s art, but it shifts the other gallery space every month to let artists host their own show.

A few days after Magdalen’s Gallery and Espresso opened, just down the street, the 4th Street Diner, 400 Broadway, had a grand opening.

Lorain businessman Anthony Horn opened the eatery that boasts a distinctly 1950s flair.

The restaurant, themed heavily after the Rat Pack members — Sammy Davis Jr., Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin, Peter Lawford and Joey Bishop — features traditional American breakfasts and lunches.

Currently, the 4th Street Diner is closed for the winter, but plans to reopen in March.

Next door to the 4th Street Diner, is Papasitos Mexican Cantina, which also opened last spring.

The owners of Papasitos & Beer, 2532 W. Erie Ave. in Lorain, wanted a restaurant in downtown, and opened the new location for dining in and carryout.

Hopefully, the economic thrust for downtown Lorain will continue in 2024, because there still are a lot of unoccupied store fronts available.