A new life for former Weirton banquet hall
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WEIRTON -- A building which once served as the site of many of the area's biggest events and celebrations soon will have a new life.
For the last several months, Lauttamus Communications and Security has been working to convert the former Serbian-American Cultural Center, on Colliers Way in Weirton, into a new operational hub for the locally owned and operated business.
"It's not going to be our headquarters, but we had to expand because we're out of space," explained Paul Lauttamus, the company's president and CEO.
Lauttamus Communications and Security has been focusing on growth over the last decade, expanding its reach farther into West Virginia, as well as Ohio and Pennsylvania.
That growth will be highlighted in the lobby of the new offices.
"We've acquired 11 companies," Lauttamus said. "We want to tell their stories."
Lauttamus noted the new facility will allow the business to add between 15 and 30 new jobs in the next three years, with the 30,000-square-foot building housing a new research and development center, sales, administrative and engineering offices, a fitness center, gym and lockers for employees and an expanded inbound call center.
It's expected to help better position the company as it expands more into the areas of tower construction, artificial intelligence, security, thermal imaging cameras, engineering services, IOT services and 5G technology.
"We envision our team traveling farther, as well as bringing in engineers to work with us," he said. "We're super excited to be able to continue to invest in our region."
The renovations aren't entirely for the business, though, as the former Tesla's Lounge will serve as space for community meetings and small, private events. Lauttamus said he plans to name it "Al's Community Room," in honor of his late father, Al Lauttamus.
"We want to give that back to the community," he said, explaining, the room can be rented with space for approximately 75 people. A kitchen is available, but those holding the events will have to provide their own food and refreshments.
The building's lobby can be used as overflow for the events, if needed.
Trushel Construction is serving as the main contractor for the project, with Lauttamus noting it was important to him to have as many local hands involved as possible.
"I really wanted everybody who earned this business to be local," Lauttamus said. "They're the ones who live, work and play here."
Craig Trushel, of Trushel Construction, expressed his appreciation to Lauttamus and his focus on growth and work in the Ohio Valley.
"It's been a good opportunity for the city of Weirton," Trushel said. "He's bringing in more jobs. It's been good to work with him."
The company's existing location on Cove Road will serve as a hub for its installation, warehousing and data center operations, as well as a new tower construction facility being established in response to growing needs for 5G networks, private LTE networks and other communication needs in the oil and gas industry.
Lauttamus expressed his thanks to his family for their support, as well as Steve Webb at the state Economic Development Administration, the Business Development Corp. of the Northern Panhandle, the City of Weirton and City Manager Joe DiBartolomeo, David Carrick and the West Virginia University Manufacturing Extension Office, Bob Stein and the University of Pittsburgh Entrepreneurship Program and Forum 13.
(Howell can be contacted at chowell@weirtondailytimes.com, and followed via Twitter @CHowellWDT)