LIMA, Ohio (WLIO) — After more than a decade of being shuttered, Memorial Hall may have a future. Allen County Commissioners, attorneys for the Allen County Port Authority, and economic development representatives met Wednesday in executive session to discuss the possible transfer of control of the more than 110-year-old building to the port authority.
Memorial Hall was closed in 2014 after safety issues were discovered in the building. Last year, the Ohio capital budget awarded the county $10 million dedicated to work on the building. Wednesday’s meeting focused on future possibilities for Memorial Hall and potential steps for resale.
“The county commissioners own the property at this time. So, the 10 million that was awarded during the budget that is connected with Memorial Hall at this time, it can be used for that project,” said Brian Winegardner, Allen County Commissioner.
So, if Memorial Hall gets transferred to the Port Authority, will the money go with it?
“That's one of the questions we need to find out is, and preliminary talks are saying yes, but we just need to confirm that as we move forward," Winegardner added.
He said future meetings will be scheduled as lawyers for the county and the port authority review the potential transfer. Economic development officials say it is too early to discuss any potential future for the property.
