Longtime CLCDC Members Ron and Gayle Anderson were concerned about the possibility of one of the most historic continuing Churches in Conneaut Lake, the High Street Community Church, being abandoned and sold for commonplace use such as a flea market or a pizza parlor.
So, in 2013 they purchased the historic building and decided that it would be much more valuable to the Borough as a new Town Hall and Community Center. Ron’s expertise as a successful property developer allowed him to visualize a transformation of the property into a vibrant, self-sustaining Conneaut Lake Town Hall. After a short discussion at a CLCDC meeting, Ron announced that he was going to explore that possibility.
Within less than 1 year, Anderson’s Company transformed the historic Church into a fully modernized, building code compliant, ADA accessible, municipal office complex on the basement level with 5 offices, a kitchenette, conference room, restroom, utility room, and ADA compliant elevator, while also creating a stunning, chandelier illuminated, large community meeting space on the 1st floor.
For the first time in over 50 years, the new Town Hall was now once again “crowned” in a new 30’ custom made steeple illuminated at night for all to appreciate.
The Borough operating expenses for the new facility were quickly resolved when the Borough Office, the Municipal Authority Office, and the existing Pennsylvania State Representative offices were all consolidated into income generating spaces, while also deriving additional revenue from rental of the 1st floor community ballroom.
This facility was donated, free and clear, as a ready to move in, turnkey operation, to the citizens of Conneaut Lake in November 2014. The building alone, not including donated land and contents, is insured for a replacement value of $962,000.00.