BY CHRISTINE PRICE
Gazette Newspapers
PAINESVILLE — A ribbon-cutting ceremony celebrating the opening of the new TownePlace Suites by Marriott Painesville Mentor on May 22 served as more than the debut of the city’s first hotel.
It also highlighted the continued success of Lakeland – The Construction Group, which this year is celebrating 40 years in business.
The grand opening was attended by members of the construction team, family, friends and community leaders, including Painesville City Manager Douglas Lewis and Lake County Treasurer Michael Zuren.
Lewis recognized the occasion as a milestone, noting that the hotel represents “Painesville City’s first hotel.”
“Watching this project come to life has been a great example of the positive growth happening in Painesville. It’s especially rewarding to see local companies helping drive local progress. Congratulations to the TownePlace Suites and Lakeland Construction team,” Lewis said.
Owned by Aashish Patel, the 98-suite hotel features fully-equipped kitchens, an indoor pool and a fitness center.
The project stands as one of the latest accomplishments for Lakeland – The Construction Group, a company that has spent four decades helping shape northeast Ohio’s landscape.
The company’s story began with president and owner Fahim Gemayel, who arrived in the United States from Lebanon without speaking English.
Determined to build a future, he pursued his education, earning degrees from Walsh College, Case Western Reserve University’s engineering program and Lake Erie College’s MBA program.
After working as a surveyor, Gemayel decided to start his own business. The company was officially registered during a memorable stop at a pay phone on Johnnycake Ridge Road.
Soon afterward, Lakeland – The Construction Group landed its first project – construction of the Toys “R” Us store in Mentor.
The company’s early days were humble. Gemayel initially operated from his car before moving into a small basement office on Chardon Square.
As the business expanded, it relocated to an office on Mentor Avenue before settling into its current headquarters in Painesville in 2001.
Today, Lakeland – The Construction Group continues to manage projects throughout the region. Recent and current projects include Auburn Career Center, Great Lakes Honda of Akron, First Watch in Green and are currently working on the Mentor Public Library.
As the company celebrates its milestone anniversary, its story remains a testament to entrepreneurship, perseverance and the power of hard work.
