In the heart of Akron, Ohio, a city that has long been a part of LeBron James' life and legacy, a new beacon of community and opportunity has emerged: House Three Thirty. This innovative project, spearheaded by the LeBron James Family Foundation, is a testament to James' unwavering commitment to giving back to his hometown.
House Three Thirty, located on West Market Street, is more than just a venue; it is a vibrant community hub designed to uplift and empower the families it serves. Since its opening in March 2023, this 60,000-square-foot facility has become a central gathering place, offering a diverse array of amenities including shopping, dining, entertainment, and educational programs.
One of the highlights of House Three Thirty is its lively Taco Tuesday events. Every Tuesday from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., the venue transforms into a culinary celebration, featuring a menu crafted by Executive Chef Joel Orellana. The star of the show is the carne asada burrito, marinated in a blend of orange juice, salt, garlic, chipotle, and extra virgin olive oil, then grilled to perfection. This dish, along with other tacos, nachos, and burritos, is a reflection of Orellana's passion for Mexican cuisine, honed from his family's culinary adventures in Texas and Mexico.
However, House Three Thirty is more than just a place to enjoy good food. It is a space where families can grow and develop new skills. The facility includes a coffee shop, multiple eateries, a theater, and the LeBron James Home Court multimedia museum. It also hosts various events such as competitions, seminars, weddings, and family reunions, all while providing job training and employment opportunities for members of the LeBron James Family Foundation.
The staff at House Three Thirty are not just employees; they are considered family members. Many of them have been part of the foundation's programs, including the I Promise School and I Promise Village, and have found employment and personal growth through the foundation's initiatives. For example, Ciara DeBruce, known affectionately as "CeCe" or "Miss Perfect," found her way to House Three Thirty through her daughter, who was part of the first class at I Promise School. DeBruce now serves as a shift lead and will begin leading tours of the building in 2025.
LeBron James' vision for House Three Thirty is rooted in his personal experiences growing up in Akron's North Hill neighborhood. Raised by a single mother, James understands the importance of a supportive community and the need for opportunities to thrive. "I knew if I ever got successful in anything in life, I wanted to give back to my community," James says. "To be able to give families, to be able to give our kids an opportunity to be able to grow, that's what's most important."
House Three Thirty is a living embodiment of James' promise to his community. It stands as a symbol of hope and opportunity, reminding everyone who walks through its doors that they are believed in and that it is never too late to change the trajectory of their lives. As James puts it, "Sometimes you just don't feel like you mean much to people, or mean much to anything or you don't feel like you have a purpose. And for us to have the people at House Three Thirty, to give our families and our parents and our kids a meaning in life, that is one of the best things that we can ever do."