AKRON, Ohio — The LeBron James Family Foundation’s House Three Thirty opened to the public Thursday, March 30, Akron’s 330 Day, offering the community an opportunity to see and experience a unique workforce development facility.
Formerly Akron’s iconic Tangier Restaurant & Cabaret, House Three Thirty has been undergoing a total renovation over the past couple years, readying the site to expand programming for I Promise students and their families, while creating a facility that offers hands-on training in dining, retail and entertainment venues, the foundation said.
“Our ultimate goal was to make a destination in Akron, Ohio,” said LJFF Executive Director Michele Campbell, during a media tour on Wednesday. “It's no secret LeBron is very proud of where he came from and we're very proud to be in Akron. And this was the perfect spot for us.”
House Three Thirty is two blocks from the I Promise School and around the corner from the I Promise Village, which provides transitional housing for I Promise families.
The training facility is designed to blend the supportive “We Are Family” energy that forms the basis of the LJFF I Promise philosophy with real-world opportunities that can change lives, the foundation said.
“In everything we do as a foundation, it’s all about making our kids, parents and people across the community believe there can be more in their lives than they ever dreamed possible,” LeBron James said in a release. “We designed House Three Thirty to create opportunities and open doors to show them that anything is possible, and that they can do it right here in Akron.”
On Thursday, attendees will have access to maps of House Three Thirty to enable them explore the site at their leisure, possibly finding special entrances to hidden rooms, the foundation said.
Beginning Thursday, House Three Thirty will open to showcase its licensed Starbucks Community Store, whose first cohort of I Promise students, teachers, parents and other family members has been readying to open for weeks, the foundation said.
Going forward, Starbucks hours are 6 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday through Friday and 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturdays.
The foundation’s longest running partner, JP Morgan Chase, will also be open on Thursday offering financial planning assistance for I Promise families and community members, the foundation said.
On Friday, June 2, the LeBron James’ Home Court I is scheduled to open. The multimedia storytelling experience is based on James’ life, and will feature never-before-seen items, the foundation said.
Also planned to open in June are the retail shop with I Promise and foundation merchandise, and the Sweet Shop, featuring local sweets, including Mitchell’s Ice Cream, Metropolis Gourmet Popcorn, NORKA Beverages and Malley’s Chocolates, the foundation said.
Training is underway for the Taco Shop by Old El Paso, the PepsiCo Foundation Training Kitchen, the Smucker Hometown Hall for public and private events, the one-of-a-kind LeBron James Sports Bar and other training areas.
To enable trainees to look their best is part of the support House Three Thirty is designed to provide.
“The Block” at House Three Thirty is a large back-of-house area where trainees have access to lockers and dressing areas stocked with toiletries and beauty supplies, as well as the “Loads of Love” laundry room.
A barber shop and beauty parlor with braiding station are also on hand, enabling trainees to sign up for appointments.
House Three Thirty will open in stages to enable trainees to adapt comfortably while they continue to train, the foundation said.
