Visible Voice Books, a Tremont staple since 2007, is turning a new page with a move to 4601 Lorain Ave. in Ohio City. After outgrowing two Tremont locations, owner David Ferrante spent the past three years searching for the right space before settling on the former Lorain Theater.
The new Ohio City location is set to open in November. The Tremont location closed its doors on September 14..
Visible Voice’s new building, which operated as a theater from 1923 to about 1970, had fallen into disrepair after decades of varied uses. Redevelopment, led by architect Lucas Staib of AODK Architecture and Engelke Construction Solutions, uncovered long-hidden architectural details and artwork that had been concealed for more than 50 years. These elements have been carefully restored and now anchor a modern, 6,000-square-foot, multi-level space designed exclusively for the bookstore.
“The whole thing is exciting,” Ferrante says. “It checked every box I've been working through in my head over the last 20 years.”
These historic elements have been carefully restored and incorporated into the design, giving the bookstore a modern space rooted in the character of its past.
“I like that we’re bringing back something that was lost,” says Ferrante. “This place really is an architectural gem for the city and neighborhood. We found this beautiful stage area, and upstairs in the mezzanine there are murals we brought back to life. I like every aspect of it.”
He says the move allows Visible Voice to expand both its offerings and programs while still maintaining customer convenience. The store plans to triple its selection of both new and used titles, creating shelves that invite hours of browsing and discovery.
Beyond books, the new space will serve as a community hub with a cafe offering specialty coffee, espresso drinks, pastries, snacks and light fare such as salads and sandwiches. A full-service bar will also be introduced, giving guests even more reason to linger.
Programming will expand as well, with a 150-seat stage designed to showcase everything from local bands to nationally touring musicians, along with writers, speakers and other performers. Visitors can also enjoy a warmly lit mezzanine, an inviting spot to read, study or use as a third space. Three conference rooms will make the bookstore a versatile destination for both casual visits and planned events.
Parking will be comparable to the old site, with about 18 spaces, nearby street parking and an arrangement for overflow parking within a short walk.
Ferrante says the bookstore’s popular weekly and monthly events will continue in its new home, but with even more depth and variety. With the addition of a full cafe, Visible Voice now has the resources to enhance its programming rather than reinvent it. The goal, he explains, is to build on what already worked well and elevate those gatherings to the next level. Customers can expect expanded programming next year, once the new space is open for a few months and ready to support the broader vision.
With the added space, Visible Voice can bring out used titles that were long kept in storage. Ferrante says the store will continue to focus on six or seven major genres while expanding the range within them, giving customers more variety to browse from the start.
He also plans to adjust the balance between new and used titles. While the store has historically leaned 60% new to 40% used, the new location will flip that ratio, offering more affordable options and greater flexibility in pricing. The larger footprint also makes room for specialty selections like coffee table books.
The move, just 1.7 miles away from its former home, is not expected to affect any current employees, and Ferrante emphasizes that his connection to Tremont remains strong. “I live in Tremont. This (move) is not indicative of Tremont. It's my favorite neighborhood in the city. I just couldn't find a space this big down there with so many opportunities.”
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