MetroPlex to have new future

Staff report

LIBERTY

Universal Development of Girard soon will celebrate a grand reopening of the MetroPlex Expo Center it purchased in March 2015.

The development company announced Tuesday it has renovated the ballroom, meeting rooms and a courtyard patio.

Events for the new MetroPlex at 1620 Motor Inn Drive are scheduled, and a ribbon-cutting will take place at noon Oct. 5.

Universal is converting the hotel side of the complex to a new self-storage center with 450 units.

Kutlick Realty LLC of Boardman completed the sale of the hotel, restaurant and convention center for $850,000 to BLI of MetroPlex LTD., a Universal Development company.

The 153-room former Rodeway Inn/MetroPlex hotel, restaurant and convention center exceeds 300,000 square feet and sits on more than 11 acres. It was a go-to place for meetings and events in the late 1980s and early 1990s.

In March 2014, former owner Indira Periyasamy shut down the establishment after a small fire caused about $75,000 in damage. Universal said plans for the MetroPlex include food-service options for large and small events.

For booking/reservation information, visit www.metroplexexpo.com, or call 330-759-1674 or 1-888-759-1674.