An Asset for the Junction Neighborhood
Honoring the Past, Building the Future
Building a Multi-Purpose Community Center
On October 6, 2025, the Land Bank broke ground on the redevelopment of St. Anthony's into a multi-purpose community center. When the $6 million construction project is finished in fall 2026, the building will be transferred to the City of Toledo to enhance the youth, recreation, and neighborhood services already offered at Junction Park.
Construction is being overseen by the Land Bank's construction manager, Rudolph Libbe Group. Architectural and design work has been completed by The Collaborative and its partners. Funding for the project comes from a blend of resources, including a federal grant through the Department of Housing and Urban Development, along with local contributions by the City of Toledo and the Board of Lucas County Commissioners.
The complete renovation of the building to ready it for the community's use will include building an adjacent parking lot and making improvements to support our neighbors at The Padua Center in the former St. Anthony's rectory.
More to come as construction begins!
The History
Since 1894, St. Anthony's church has served as an iconic Toledo landmark with its impressive scale and soaring spire that can be seen for miles. But after a century of worship, the Diocese of Toledo closed the parish in 2005 and announced the demolition of the building in 2017.
After an incredible community outcry, the Diocese of Toledo donated the former St. Anthony’s church building to the Lucas County Land Bank and canceled its demolition plans.
Community Leadership
Upon taking ownership, the Land Bank committed to listening to the residents and stakeholders of the Junction neighborhood about what they hoped to see happen. Through these focus groups, the community expressed its desire to see the building reused in these ways:
1. As a focal point for community identity
2. As a gathering place
3. For youth education, recreation, and skill development
4. With a focus on safety, sustainable ownership, and reflecting the leadership of the neighborhood
With those priorities in hand, the Land Bank asked The Toledo Design Collective to complete a Feasibility Study that assessed potential redevelopment options and the costs associated with them. From there, the Land Bank worked closely with federal, state, local, and community partners to identify the resources needed to redevelop the building for the community's benefit.