About

Historic Lorain, Ohio is located in northeastern Ohio on Lake Erie, at the mouth of the Black River, approximately 30 miles west of Cleveland. As of the 2020 census, the city had a total population of 65,211, making it Ohio’s ninth largest city, the third largest in the Greater Cleveland area, and the largest in Lorain County by population.

The City of Lorain began as an unincorporated village established pre-1834 as “Black River Village”, but in 1837 the name was officially changed to ‘Charleston’. It was subsequently incorporated as a village under the name Lorain in 1874 and became a City in 1896.

Known as “The International City” Lorain is home to over 50 different nationalities. Lorain was also often referred to as “Steel City” because of its well-known steel mill.  Home to the historic Lorain Palace Theatre, beautiful Lakeview Park, the Charles Berry Bridge (the second-largest bascule bridge in the world!), the restored Lorain Lighthouse and numerous other historical sites  Lorain is one of those rare cities that delivers a big city experience while retaining that small town feeling.

Main Street Lorain strives to preserve the community’s distinctive history by embracing our heritage and historic infrastructure to create a sense of pride that resonates throughout the community which, in turn, spurs growth, engages our citizenry, and stimulates economic development and increased tourism to our area. As a result, residents and visitors experience an ambiance that only Lorain, Ohio can offer.

Our Mission:

To promote collaboration and celebration as a means of making downtown Lorain vibrant and accessible to residents and visitors of all ages.

Our Vision:

Main Street Lorain aspires to a new vision for the City of Lorain: strong in collaboration, rich in history and diversity, economically thriving and welcoming to all

The Lorain Revitalization Association dba Main Street Lorain grew from a series of charettes that were hosted throughout the city of Lorain in 2017. The momentum from those charettes grew into the “LorainProud” civic pride movement. Main Street Lorain organizes community efforts to create an attractive, viable downtown environment, and promotes the downtown’s unique historical assets using the National Main Street Center’s Four Point Approach: Organization, Design, Promotion and Economic Development.


Organization: Building consensus and cooperation among public and private groups and individuals, and identifying sources of funding for revitalization activities.

Design: Enhancing the commercial district’s physical appearance a through building rehabilitation, compatible new construction, public improvements, and design management systems.

Promotion: Marketing the commercial district through events and advertising to attract customers, potential investors, new businesses, residents, and visitors.

Economic Development: Strengthening the district’s economic base and creating new opportunities through careful analysis and appropriate mixed-use development.

Contact Main Street Lorain at info@downtownlorain.com 


BOARD OF DIRECTORS

 

Chris Cocco – President

Sam Flores – Vice President

Pat Morrisson – Secretary

Ryan Aroney

Joyce Ferlic Arredondo

Ben Norton

Tiffany McClelland

Katelyn Gonzalez

Dina Ferrer

Dee Vickers Baker

Ben Maniaci

Jevon Terrance

Joel Arredondo

Alex Barton

Candice Pettigrew