http://www.ble-t.org/pr/news/newsflash.asp?id=5798

CLEVELAND, January 15 – Renovations are proceeding rapidly at the BLET’s new headquarters in Independence, Ohio, and the National Division expects to be moved in by early to mid-March.

The BLET sold the historic Standard Building to Weston, a real estate development group, in mid-2014. One of the stipulations of the sale was the BLET would lease back space in the Standard Building for up to three years. Fortunately, construction at the new headquarters facility has moved forward at such a quick pace that the lease back time is closer to two years. The BLET purchased the new space in Independence, a suburb of Cleveland, in March of 2015.

The new headquarters will provide ample room for National Division officers and staff in a more modern work environment. It will also feature an expanded and improved state-of-the-art Education and Training Center.

The AM Higley Co. of Cleveland is performing the construction services related to renovation of the new headquarters. A 100 percent union workforce is performing all renovation work on the new building.

The BLET is the oldest labor organization in the United States. Cleveland was selected in 1870 as the union’s headquarters city due to its central location for serving U.S. and Canadian members. From 1910 to 1989, the union’s national office was located in the Engineers Building, the BLET’s original headquarters building in Cleveland. That building was sold in 1988 to make way for the Marriott Key Tower. The Standard Building, which was originally constructed by the BLE and dedicated in 1924, has served as National Division headquarters since 1989.

It is expected that the move will take place in early March with as little impact as possible on the day-to-day operations of the National office.

The BLET will dedicate the new building with a ribbon cutting ceremony, which is tentatively scheduled for after the move has been completed. Information and other details will be posted on the BLET website (www.ble-t.org) and the National Division Facebook page (www.Facebook.com/BLETNational).