The restored Firestone building will feature indoor Pickleball courts and partner with local breweries and restaurants to create a one-stop destination for recreation and dining in downtown Marion. But it’s more than just a place for fun—it’s a space built for the future. This space will bring opportunities to Marion that will fuel long-term growth... This isn’t just about quick wins (although we think some are to be had); it’s also about creating a foundation for sustained progress and opportunity.

We’re focused on removing key barriers that stand in the way of Grant County residents accessing high-paying careers in emerging fields like advanced manufacturing and technology. These fields are new and often unfamiliar, with many opportunities still being defined. Training and job access can be limited due to distance, with many programs and jobs located far from home. We’re working on partnerships that will help bridge these gaps—making training more accessible and providing future support for getting residents to job sites. This isn’t just about training; it’s about creating practical pathways to sustainable, high-potential careers right here in Marion.

As Indiana moves ahead with a focus on work-based learning and career credentials, it’s essential that we stay ahead of the curve to ensure Marion’s youth can access these opportunities early. Unfortunately, many kids in our community face real challenges—whether it’s home life, transportation, or simply not knowing about the career paths emerging around them. We’re working with partners to remove these barriers and give our kids real access to high-potential career fields. This is worth every investment and risk; we firmly believe they deserve the chance to shape their futures and lead the future of our community.

The Firestone building offers a unique opportunity to help propel downtown Marion toward a more vibrant, interconnected ecosystem. Positioned at the intersection where residential neighborhoods meet downtown, it bridges the gap between community life and the potential for growth. We are honored to join the neighboring businesses, organizations, and churches that have long been dedicated to the growth of Marion’s downtown. By offering indoor recreation—a much-needed option for our community—and a variety of reasons to visit, we aim to attract more people to the downtown area and support the thriving ecosystem already in place. We see this as a catalyst for new growth, sparking more investment and turning downtown into a lively hub where people gather, play, and stay longer.