FAQs - Erieview Elementary

The City of Avon Lake seeks to purchase the former Erieview Elementary to repurpose as a community center. Here is what you need to know. 

The City seeks to purchase the former Erieview Elementary School and its surrounding 9.48-acre property (32630 Electric Boulevard) from Avon Lake City Schools (ALCS) for $500,000. The purchase is pending approval by the ALCS Board of Education and Avon Lake City Council, and the completion of a facility assessment conducted by the City through a third party.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Why can’t the Avon Lake City Schools (ALCS) just give the City of Avon Lake the Erieview building and property? 

A: The City and ALCS are distinct entities with their own separate budgets, revenue sources, and administration. Under Ohio Law, school districts are considered separate political subdivisions, and their boards of education are responsible for the purchase, management, and sale of school property (see Ohio Revised Code (ORC) 3313.41 and 3313.17, and related statutes).

Avon Lake residents fund ALCS through taxes and may vote on bond issues or levies, but ALCS legally owns its properties, and has the right to sell them at what it considers fair value. 

For the City of Avon Lake, the proposed sale price of $500,000 presents a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to:  

• Acquire a valuable building and 9.48-acre property that is well-positioned to repurpose as a community center and located in an ideal location.
• Expand and enhance recreational programming and social services and add community meeting spaces.
• Preserve and reimagine a treasured community asset.  
• Explore utilizing part of the building to generate new revenue for the City.

 At a cost of roughly $53,000 per acre, the sale price is well below the average price per acre for property in Avon Lake.

 Q: What does the city plan to do with the property?

A: Our vision is to transform Erieview into a vibrant community hub and maximize its use year-round. The City has limited space for programs and services in its existing facilities, and demand for those programs and services is high. Erieview is well positioned not only to meet current demand, but to expand and enhance the programming and services we offer. 

We envision a community center where residents of all ages can enjoy and benefit from excellent recreational and educational opportunities, participate in community events, and utilize public meeting spaces. Our vision is for Erieview to become a vital hub that strengthens our community now and for generations to come.  

Q: How can Erieview be good enough to be a community center if it was not good enough for our kids? Doesn’t the building need upgrades and maintenance?

A: ALCSD made the difficult decision to close Erieview after the 2024-2025 school year as part of a larger plan to consolidate buildings and reduce operating costs. The City acknowledges that capital improvements are needed to convert the building into the vibrant community center we envision, but we will benefit from having the ability to make those improvements incrementally in a phased approach – something ALCSD simply would not have been able to do.   

Erieview is a valuable community asset that offers strong structural integrity and strategic value for the City. The building is well-positioned to support recreational programs, services, and events; and is a more cost-effective investment than building a new facility from the ground up. By purchasing Erieview, the City can ensure the future use of the property aligns with community goals. 

Q: How will the city pay for the purchase of the property? 

A: The City plans to purchase the Erieview building and 9.48-acre property through the Recreation Trust Fund, not through the General Fund that funds core services such as police, fire, and public works. Payments would not begin until January 2027. 

Capital improvement needs will be addressed in a phased approach. The City will also explore utilizing part of the building to generate new revenue, which could help offset costs. 

Q: What will happen to The Anchor and the Old Firehouse?
A: The City currently leases space at The Anchor. If the purchase of Erieview is approved, the City would end its lease and the programs and services currently offered at The Anchor would transfer to Erieview.  

The City is committed to maintaining the Old Firehouse and would explore other potential uses of community benefit for that building.