Midway Mall to become business park, Lorain County Port Authority decides

ELYRIA, Ohio (WOIO) – The Lorain County Port Authority voted Wednesday to proceed with Industrial Commercial Properties’ plan to convert Midway Mall into an industrial and business park.

Reactions from mall visitors today was mixed: “It’s a good idea job-wise, but I’d rather see the mall stay,” said Mila Kochheiser.

ICP is set to purchase the property for $17 million, which is part of a larger investment valued at around $40 million.

The Port Authority Board of Directors narrowed the future of the mall down to two options: the ICP plan, and an option from the Center for Food Innovation that would have converted the property into a combination-residential-and-produce center.

City and county leaders explain the decision came down to risk versus reward.

“There’s risk involved with both proposals,” said Lorain County Port Authority director Jim Miller. “We felt the risk with the ICP proposal was less for the citizens of Lorain County.”

Elyria Mayor Kevin Brubaker added the project “will generate, as they get up and running, 400 jobs, which will generate around an $18 to $20 million dollar payroll.”

ICP still has to finalize a contract with the Port Authority, but Mayor Brubaker says gutting the mall could start as early as the end of the summer.

“I’m sure there will have to be some discussion with those retailers and restaurant on when they would need to vacate. I am fairly confident that ICP will work with those entities to find other areas that surround the mall,” he said.

While Midway Mall stands as a shadow of its former self, those who visit the shopping center say a community still exists here. Many who visit are older patrons who use the climate-controlled mall as a year-round space to walk and talk; they will be disheartened to see it go away.

“Once this comes in and take all of this stuff out, we’re done,” George Beecher said.

Douglas Sweene said that there are other malls in Northeast Ohio, but “a lot of [regulars] don’t want to go a half hour to go to Great Northern or SouthPark.”

For now, those visiting the mall will look to make the most of the space while they can.

“Everyone keeps coming up to me, saying, ‘what’s going on with the mall?’” Beecher explained. “I say, ‘until you see locks on that door just keep coming.’”

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