AKRON, Ohio — The LeBron James Family Foundation announced plans Wednesday to transform the former iconic Akron landmark, The Tangier, into an innovative multi-use space where the community can find financial resources, meeting spaces, a sports complex and more under one roof.
The new space called House Three Thirty will offer family financial health programming tailored to help families take control of their financial futures and job training opportunities offered through the venue’s retail, dining and event spaces. It will serve as a gathering space for large indoor and outdoor events such as monthly meals and family programming.
Longtime Akron residents told News 5 the new facility will offer safe and supportive opportunities for Summit County youth.
"There's always diamonds in the rough here in Akron," Kevin Lewis said. "And LeBron James just so happens to be one of the more prominent examples of those diamonds in the rough."
Additional programming that will be located in the renovated The Tangier include:
- Financial Health with JPMorgan Chase – A dedicated space where Chase bankers can offer specialized financial advice and products to help more families get on a path to financial health.
- Sports Complex from The DICK’S Sporting Goods Foundation – The top level of the venue’s parking structure will be converted into a sports complex for physical activities and other year-round indoor/outdoor events for the I PROMISE School, I PROMISE families, and the whole community.
- Fast Casual Dining with Old El Paso – Old El Paso will help build out at a full-service, fast casual dining space that will bring families together and serve quick meal options, provide space for family-led programming, and help I PROMISE family members get hands-on job training.
- J.M. Smucker HomeTown Hall – Providing an indoor dining space for large gatherings, the venue’s J.M. Smucker HomeTown Hall will host family meals and community conversations.
“Our main goal in everything we do is to support and prepare our families for a better future. And this concept, House Three Thirty, is the next step of that journey,” said LeBron James in a news release. “I’m excited to open a space that puts everything we want to offer them under one roof. From getting them hands-on job training and financial guidance to having a space for important community events and safe physical activities, this is what we’ve learned our community needs. I can’t wait to see this come to life.”
The space will also include a coffee bar, a lounge, private card room, ice cream parlor, cabaret and other resources for I PROMISE families.
“House Three thirty represents years of us listening to our families and learning what they need,” said Michele Campbell, executive director of the LeBron James Family Foundation in a news release. “It’s addressing their financial health and giving them the skills they need to contribute to the workforce for a lifetime. Most importantly, it will be a source of pride and sense of belonging for our I PROMISE family and everyone who wants to be part of our movement to create positive change for generations to come. This concept is a game changer for our families, our community, and every community it touches.”
Design and renovations for House Three Thirty are underway, with plans to open for families in 2022.
Jeff Basler said while he may be in Los Angeles now, Akron will always be James' primary home.
"I would be disappointed if he did forget about Akron," Basler said. "You know, he's got that tattoo. 330. That’s for life, baby."
