LeBron James' House Three Thirty in former Tangier to open for public tours on March 30

It's a date that holds special meaning for those living in the 330 area code.

And this March 30 will offer the first chance for Akronites to venture inside the former Tangier since the LeBron James Family Foundation has taken over the iconic entertainment complex.

The transformation is not yet complete and work has been ongoing since the sale in 2020.

The foundation is planning to open the doors to the public for a sneak peek from 10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. March 30 for a special 330 Day celebration with food trucks including Swensons Drive-In, Kinetic Vegan, Cheezylicious Food Truck and Cleveland Cookie Dough, along with guided tours inside House Three Thirty.

“House Three Thirty is for the entire community, so it’s important to us that we open our doors and share what we’re building as the renovation is in progress,” said Michele Campbell, executive director of the LeBron James Family Foundation. “We are so excited about the opportunities, jobs, and experiences House Three Thirty is going to provide for our I Promise families and everyone who visits.

"It’s going to be transformational for our community, and we can think of no better way to celebrate 330 Day.”

Tangier transformation: Get a sneak peek at LeBron James' bar, eateries and more in old Akron Tangier

Chances are if you haven't been along West Market Street, you might drive right by the old Tangier as you probably won't recognize the place anymore.

It's a bit less splashy looking with its new earth-tone exterior paint, and the iconic Moroccan dome is gone too.

Transforming the old Tangier: Tangier’s iconic dome torn down and thrown out

And the changes are even more dramatic inside.

About the only thing that is still familiar is the legendary Cabaret. The interior of the entertainment space is being restored, but the furnishings and décor remain the same.

How the LeBron James Family Foundation will use the Tangier space

The foundation plans to use the venue as a gathering space for I Promise School and I Promise program students and their families. And, like in the past, it will continue to offer public concerts and space for speakers once House Three Thirty is fully up and running.

When that happens remains to be seen as workers continue to renovate the spacious venue. The goal is to open many of the eateries and attractions sometime next year.

Some of the space is already open and hosting events.

The Smucker Hometown Hall event and rental space has already hosted some weddings, parties and graduations.

It also has hosted events for the foundation, including a gathering for Akron school teens during NBA All-Star Week in Cleveland.

And work was recently completed on The Taco Shop by Old El Paso that hosted a Taco Tuesday event for I Promise kids and their families.

The eatery is expected to open to the public once work is completed next year on the other spaces.

Part of the foundation's goal with House Three Thirty is to offer retail and restaurants for the public to visit while offering job training and employment opportunities for partner families.

This all complements the JPMorgan Chase Community Space where bankers will offer financial advice and products to promote financial health for Akron families.

Plans call for a Sweet Shop that will sell Northeast Ohio products from Mitchell’s Ice Cream, Metropolis Gourmet Popcorn, Norka Beverages and Malley’s Chocolates.

For business meetings and special events, the private club The Den by MainStreet Advisors and Lobos 1707 will be available. LeBron James is a partner in the Lobos 1707 tequila brand.

House Three Thirty also will be home to a yet-to-be named community-model coffee shop.

The basement will house the LeBron James Museum by Upper Deck that will tell the NBA superstar's story from growing up in public housing in the Spring Hill neighborhood to his years at St. Vincent-St. Mary High School through his professional career including championships in Miami, Cleveland and with the Los Angeles Lakers.

The ticketed attraction also will house James' personal memorabilia from his storied sports and business career.

Additionally, work is underway to create a LeBron James-themed sports bar that will be open to the public.

All of this will be supported by a 10,000-square-foot kitchen — billed as one of the largest of its kind in Northeast Ohio — that is literally being built from the ground up inside of the old Tangier.

Craig Webb can be reached at cwebb@thebeaconjournal.com.

Details

What: 330 Day at House Three Thirty

When: 10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. March 30

Where: House Three Thirty, 532 W. Market St., Akron

For more: visit https://www.lebronjamesfamilyfoundation.org/

This article originally appeared on Akron Beacon Journal: LeBron James' transformation of Tangier in Akron will open for tours