LincWay businesses set to open this year; Playlab expected for 2023
PHOTOS BY CHRISTINA McCUNE | DGKN
Delight Howells, LincWay director, talks about the space that is almost complete. A workspace, art studio and cafe & market are expected to be ready by Christmas in the multi-use LincWay building just west of Dutch Kitchen off of U.S. 30.
Wayne County Children’s S.T.E.A.M. Playlab founder Lori Colon provides updates on the much-anticipated children’s museum, which is expected to be complete in 2023.
Brittany Jarvis, owner of J & Co Hair Studio and Spa, already was booking appointments for the spacious hair salon before its expected Oct. 3 opening.
DALTON Walls are up, lights are on, floors are in.
The LincWay building project just west of Dutch Kitchen along U.S. 30 is coming together.
A hair salon in the building opens Oct. 3, a workspace, art studio, and cafe and market are expected to have at least soft openings by Christmas.
The bulk of the building – the Wayne County Children’s S.T.E.A.M. Playlab – is moving right along toward a 2023 opening.
Talk to Lori Colon and Delight Howells, the pair who got the ball rolling for a new “travel destination” in the Dalton/Kidron area, and you can see their visions and dreams for the space come to life before your eyes as they walk through the multi-use building.
The name “LincWay” was inspired by the name of the location off of the Lincoln Way highway and also the importance of “linking” or connecting in healthy relationships. Both Colon, the founder and CEO of the nonprofit Playlab and Howells, LincWay director, talk about visitors engaging with one another, families interacting, and mainly options for people of all ages to have fun and be creative and have something to do and somewhere to go in their hometown. They also expect the Playlab and businesses will attract tourists. And they hope those out-of-towners will then continue on to explore Dalton, Kidron and Orrville and other businesses and offerings in eastern Wayne County.
The building project had its groundbreaking in June 2021. The children’s museum was expected to open this year but because of the pandemic and materials being available, the timeline was pushed back. Her goal is a 2023 opening.
“We’re moving forward,” Colon said. “Our interior design company is making great progress.”
Much of the work is being done in shop and she said she feels once items are brought to the facility and local contractors begin installation all the pieces and parts will fall together nicely and quickly.
The Playlab is 30,000 square feet and donations and sponsorships have been coming in to get the nonprofit, which is run by a board of directors, to about 35 percent of its way so far in a $7 million capital campaign.
Colon shares much information about the S.T.E.A.M. (science, technology, engineering, arts, mathematics) Playlab progress, fundraisers, events and more on the WCCSP website at wccsp.org and on Facebook. Companies and individuals can make donations through the website.
Christie, what an exciting thing to be happening! A children’s museum was always an dream idea in my head. Glad to see it is being born into reality. Best wishes to you and the family. I so enjoyed the visit from the kids.
Kathy thank you for following the Dalton Gazette & Kidron News. I think the children’s museum will be exciting as well as the businesses going along with it – an art studio with ceramics people can paint, a coffee shop and local market. It will be really nice! Lots of moving and shaking in the Dalton and Kidron areas and I feel fortunate to get to report on these wonderful communities for this wonderful newspaper. Thank you for keeping in touch! My family has the best memories of you and the wonderful Saturday morning art classes! You made a big impact on our family! Please keep in touch and I hope you are well! – Christy McCune (and family)