The 'Mecca' of motel makeovers

SANDUSKY — Their plan to revamp a longstanding lodge checked out with officials. Justin and Lisa Brady recently unveiled their vision to overhaul the Mecca Motel, 2227 Cleveland Road (U.S. 6), near the Cedar Point Sports Center. They bought this property through their joint company — EPH Sandusky, comprised of other local investors — and plan on pursuing a massive top-to-bottom renovation. The spouses consider themselves principal partners in this endeavor. During a recent public meeting, city commissioners approved their initial blueprints, providing a $200,000 grant in local economic development funds to help offset an overall investment of about $2 million. The grant aims to address decades of deferred maintenance at this site. "We are thrilled to have the chance to improve and develop the old Mecca property, which will be relaunched as Explorer Rest and Recreation, in a crucial entry corridor to Sandusky," they wrote in a statement. Justin and Lisa — they also run the Huron-based Lake Erie Adventure Co., allowing people to rent kayaks and paddleboards — went into greater detail about their new lodge. "The Explorer will be a modern take on the vintage motel concept, offering modern, playful accommodations along with a large amount of outdoor space," according to the pair of Huron residents. More specifically, they intend on: • Rebuilding all guest rooms; The property should feature 25 rooms once work ends. • Refreshing the backyard area • Constructing new outdoor amenities • Installing a new space for food trucks They believe work should start soon and end by this summer. "As importantly, we have given the city of Sandusky an easement, and the Sandusky Bay Pathway will run behind The Explorer, connecting downtown Sandusky to The Landing in a multi-year collaborative effort, providing a valuable resource to residents and visitors," they wrote. "We are so proud and honored to be part of the growth and development of Sandusky." The Bradys worked with Jonathan Holody, Sandusky's community development director, on this project. They received a grant largely because of their "successful track record as small business owners in the area," Holody said. It also helps fulfill a goal for Sandusky's government to spruce up and enliven the city's east end. "The property is located on the (U.S.) 6 corridor, which has been targeted for city investment and improvement because it is a primary gateway into the city and strategically located between the Cedar Point Sports Center and Cedar Point Drive," Holody said. "The Mecca Motel had been operating through last year. The city had been concerned about the deteriorating appearance and poor customer reviews of the Mecca Motel in recent years." Holody knows the Bradys and their group can turn this property's image around with what's planned. The grant helps matters to fill a gap so they can complete the project as envisioned, he said.