The following is a statement issued by Evan Hoyt, CEO/ Strategy Consultant for Spencehill Solutions, regarding plans for Marion’s Historic Firestone Building.
Marion, IN – Hubworks Marion is proud to announce the acquisition of the historic Firestone building at 625 S Washington Street. This 1938 landmark is set to be transformed into a dynamic hub that will blend workforce development, entrepreneurship, and community recreation.
A New Vision for the Firestone Building
Hubworks Marion has a bold plan to repurpose the Firestone building into a central point for community life and career advancement. The project centers around four key goals:
1. Recreation and Dining
The building will house indoor pickleball courts and a planned restaurant(s) or brewery(s), creating a vibrant social space for dining that overlaps indoor recreation and workforce development activities. This multi-use environment invites the community to engage in leisure activities while also being exposed to training and educational opportunities in emerging career fields.
2. Access to Career Opportunities
Hubworks Marion is committed to breaking down barriers for Grant County residents seeking high-paying jobs in fields like manufacturing and technology. By housing a multi-use training center, the hub can host specialized programs tailored to local workforce needs. It also serves as a facility where local businesses can shape and offer training programs that suit their employee development goals. By addressing transportation challenges and collaborating with education providers, we provide accessible pathways to sustainable careers.
3. Supporting the Next Generation
Hubworks Marion focuses on equipping the youth with entrepreneurial skills and introducing them to career opportunities they may not have previously considered. By bringing innovative training programs directly to young people and fostering an entrepreneurial spirit, the project aims to inspire and prepare them for a diverse range of futures in emerging fields.
4. Adding Momentum to Downtown Growth
Strategically positioned at the intersection of neighborhoods and downtown, the revitalized Firestone building aims to attract visitors, increase downtown activity, and support the broader business community.
Another Success Story for Save Our Stories
The acquisition marks a significant milestone not just for Hubworks Marion but also for our early partner, SaveOurStories (SoS). Their involvement was crucial in overcoming key obstacles that previously deterred investors. By purchasing the historic Firestone building and leveraging its status as a nonprofit, SoS secured the necessary funding to conduct essential environmental cleanup. Their vision and investment effectively removed critical barriers to entry, paving the way for Hubworks to make an actionable plan for the building’s transformation.
“We’re incredibly grateful to our teammates at SaveOurStories and the Indiana Landmarks Foundation,” said Evan Hoyt, Head of Strategic Partnerships and Outreach at Hubworks. “This transaction is a testament to the power of foresight and community-focused investment. Their efforts have cleared the path for revitalization, and we’re eager to continue collaborating with SOS and others as we work to bring new life to Marion. We see this as a community-driven effort, and we welcome others to join however they can.”
For more information about Hubworks Marion and the vision for the Firestone building, visit www.hubworksmarion.com.
The following is a statement from SOS Marion Board Member Bill Munn.
The purchase of the historic Firestone Building is a testament to the dedication and hard work of our volunteers, contractors, and partners, for whom we are deeply grateful. Their efforts have played an integral role in identifying historic properties, restoring them to be commercially viable, and revitalizing our city and its neighborhoods.
We eagerly anticipate Hubworks' future successes in their new building and are confident that they will continue to make us proud.
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