Sunday, June 23, 2002
Tracing the history of Avalon Inn and Resort in Howland, the Mahoning Valley's only full-service resort property:
1970: Avalon Inn, a $2.5 million, 90-room resort, opens for business on East Market Street, Howland.
1973: S. H. P. Associates, a Port Clinton consortium, takes over the operation.
1977: Mid-West Inn Services Inc. buys the resort for $1.85 million, names new management team.
1983: Avalon Inn Services, an Ohio corporation with five investors, buys the inn.
1986: Owners unveil a new $2.2 million, 54-room addition.
1991: Fire near the inn pro shop causes $175,000 in damage.
1992: Three shareholders drop out; the remaining owners reorganize as HOK Real Estate. HOK owns Avalon Inn in Howland and Avalon Hotel in Erie, Pa.
1997: Fire causes $300,000 damage.
2001: HOK owners divide their holdings. Tom Keegan becomes the sole owner of Avalon Inn; his partner Robert O'Malley becomes sole owner of Avalon Hotel in Erie.
2002: Owner begins a $750,000 renovation project, including addition of three new Jacuzzi rooms, renovation of pool and fitness center.
Source: Avalon Inn