Goodwill making a great big investment in Huron

HURON — Local Goodwill leaders received cooperation from the entire contingent to pursue a massive project in Huron.The endgame: to better provide services and opportunities for community members relying on the location.Earlier this month, those overseeing Goodwill Industries of Erie, Huron Ottawa and Sandusky Counties broke ground on a $1.6 million project for a new store at 310 Lake Erie Parkway. It's near the Rye Beach Road exit off Ohio 2, behind Hy-Miler.By October, Goodwill representatives plan on relocating from the existing Huron location, within Commerce Park Plaza on Cleveland Road (U.S. 6).Here are some other points to understand:Why the move is happening: "While we love our current location and the great relationship we have with Jamestown management, the plaza owners, but we have outgrown the space we are currently in and have no additional room for expansion," said Steve Darvey, the president and CEO of Goodwill Industries of Erie, Huron, Ottawa and Sandusky Counties. "This new property will provide the opportunity to expand our size, presence and services in the Huron community."Artist renderings show different vantage points of the new Goodwill Industries building being constructed in Huron.When work should start and end: A groundbreaking ceremony took place Tuesday. Construction should continue through September. Goodwill hired several local contractors for this job.When the new store should open: Representative pegged the debut date for sometime in October.How the employment levels are impacted: "We will maintain our current workforce of 12 to 15 employees and are expecting to increase that number by adding three to four additional new positions to staff the larger store," said Jill Garton, the industry's marketing manager.What type of changes can people expect: Garton said the new store's:• Size will increase by 3,000 square feet, going from 7,000 square feet to 10,000 square feet• Parking will be improved with more spaces and those slots in closer proximity to the actual store compared to today's configuration• A donation center will feature a covered drive-thru with sliding doorsWhat will become of the current site once a move happens: "Jamestown Management, the plaza owner, has been a part of the planning process since its inception, and it is Goodwill's understanding that Jamestown Management is actively seeking tenants for the space," Garton said. What have city officials said about this: "The construction of Lake Erie Parkway was intended to catalyze private investment projects such as this," said Mike Spafford, Huron's assistant to the city manager. "The new Goodwill location continues the momentum of development within the city. We are excited to see the continued growth and wish Goodwill the best of luck in their new location."Dignitaries and supporters of Goodwill Industries of Erie, Huron Ottawa and Sandusky Counties pose for a photo during a groundbreaking ceremony for the nonprofit's new site in Huron on Lake Erie Parkway. The new Goodwill, an investment totaling $1.6 million, should open in October. Reach reporter Andy Ouriel at ouriel@sanduskyregister.com and follow him on Twitter @AndyOuriel.