LAKEWOOD, Ohio — From an image to reality, Studio West 117 in Lakewood is officially complete and meant to be for everyone.
It has a focus on the LGBTQ + community.
Michael Kittle is the general manager of the three bar and restaurant spaces.
"This is the first of its kind in Ohio and I think it's the first of its kind in the United States, if not the world," Kittle said.
It's a space to be yourself, be busy and be hungry with several restaurants, a rooftop bar, and a fully equipped gym that is already scheduled to host some local sports leagues.
"This is important because it's a safe space to gather, it's also a safe reaffirming space where everyone is welcome and we can all be creative unique and wonderfully talented just like we are in the real world," Kittle said.
For electrician and business owner Chelsea Brennan, this place was a chance to proudly be herself at work while building a community space she could see herself spending time in.
"They were the first company I did work for, so to be in an affirming and accepting environment is unbelievable," Brennan said.
As the space was looked at and enjoyed by many for the first time, for the developers, Kittle and Brennan, it brings about a feeling of pride.
"I thought it was phenomenal, their vision and to see it all come to life, I still feel like it's bridging the gap between the regular community and the LGBTQ community," Brennan said.
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