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Lorain's Waterfront Is Coming Back

Waterfront Project Page

Downtown Renovation

Lorain sits on Lake Erie and the Black River, a rare thing most cities don't have. After decades as an industrial site, that waterfront is being reopened for the public, starting now.

3 quick-hit points:

💰 $999,760 state grant (Ohio Brownfield Remediation Program) just secured for cleanup and infrastructure at the former steel site along the Black River

🚤 Hot Waters boat launch recently reopened — a real, visible, already-done win to lead with

🏗️ What's next: finger piers redevelopment and new public access along the waterfront, part of the larger "Lorain Harbor West Bank" effort

"Most communities don't have access to a Great Lake. So we're really excited to offer residents and visitors access to that space."
Kate Golden
Stormwater Manager
waterfront plans

🌊 Big Things Coming to Lorain's Waterfront!

Lorain's riverfront and lakefront are getting a major glow-up. The City and the Lorain Port and Finance Authority are teaming up on a wave of waterfront redevelopment projects designed to open up new green space, new trails, and new reasons to spend time by the water.

🏗️ What's happening, and where:

  • Pellet Terminal – This site sat unused for nearly 20 years after decades of moving iron ore between lake carriers and river-bound ships. Now it's the anchor of a $15 million cleanup and redevelopment plan, with Brownfield Redevelopment funds already secured to clean up the site and build the infrastructure for new mixed-use development.

  • 🌅 Sunset Pier Park (the Finger Piers) – Soon to become a brand-new waterfront green space! The City is investing $150,000 plus $50,000 for lighting and electrical upgrades, with a possible partnership with the Lorain Rotary. Part of the park will also honor Lorain's own Nobel Laureate, Toni Morrison.

  • ⛵ Hot Waters Boat Ramp – Getting connected into the bigger waterfront picture.

  • 🚶 A brand-new waterfront trail – Hot Waters, Sunset Pier Park, and the Pellet Terminal will all link up with Black River Landing, creating one connected path along the water, extending the energy of Broadway right down to the riverfront.

  • 🎪 Black River Landing & the Stage – The Port Authority is running a capital campaign right now to relocate and upgrade this beloved event space.

  • 🏘️ HarborWalk – On the other side of the Black River, this two-decades-in-the-making project is adding 12 new homes (4 single-family homes plus an 8-unit townhome building) near Bascule and Driftwood drives.

✨ Why it matters: Together, these projects will turn Lorain's waterfront into a connected, walkable destination, more green space, more river access, and a renewed link between downtown and the water that makes the city proud to call home.