The Repository | CantonRep.
com | Sunday, June 26, 2016 M1
SPECIAL REPORT: HALL OF FAME VILLAGE
THE BUILDERS
REPOSITORY FILE
David Baker (right), president of the Pro Football Hall of Fame, laughs with Stu Lichter, president and chairman of Industrial Realty Group, at the Hall of Fame on May 19, 2015 during the
announcement of the Village plan.
Villages odd couple make each other better
By Todd Porter from at this point. I think
Repository special projects editor Lichter, Baker develop friendship beyond David has taught me a lot. He
has had a big influence on me.
bricks and mortar of huge project
W
ith classical Hes an inspirational man.
Baker is a highly respected
music play- sports administration leader
ing in the In fact, the desk he is sitting California, but our hearts are little part. This is, in effect, and developer. Before
behind was made for a man in Ohio, Lichter said. my second home. coming to Canton, he was
background and a steady about a foot taller. Lichter is president and Physically, the pairing of a partner among three men
beep, beep, beep Still, Lichter fills the office chairman of the board of Lichter and Baker would seem building an integrated health
sounds from work vehi- of Pro Football Hall of Fame Industrial Realty Group (IRG), like Cantons version of The care village in Henderson,
President David Baker as if it a company he has grown into Odd Couple. They are not, Nev. He is still involved with
cles piercing the walls were his own. The two men a development and real estate however, Oscar and Felix. the project as an investor.
around him, Stuart Lich- have known each other for empire. In Northeast Ohio Interviewed separately Before that, Baker was
ter sits behind a desk less than three years, but have alone, IRG is in the midst of for this story, both men commissioner of the Arena
become more than business about $1 billion in develop- expressed appreciation for the Football League, where he
made for the billion- partners in the $500 million ment between the Hall of other. Both are in the twilight formed a friendship with an
dollar developer. This Hall of Fame Village proj- Fame, work on the old Hoover of their careers. Lichter, 67, is NFL executive by the name
ect. They are two men with Co. plant and the redevelop- 4 years older than Baker. of Roger Goodell. The two
office, on this particular homes in California who seem ment of the former Goodyear No one would mistake men remain friends and,
day, lies in the heart of to have left their hearts in headquarters in Akron. Lich- them for brothers. Baker consequently, Hall of Fame
a flurry of construction Canton, Ohio. Theyre more ter estimated that, depending stands about 6-foot-10 and leadership might have a
than business partners now. on the month, he spends as describes his weight as a closer working relationship
around Hall of Fame Theyre friends. much time in Ohio as he does biscuit shy of 400 pounds. with the NFL than ever.
Village. Baker, who lives in Stark in California. Lichter is about 5-10 and of What some people might
It is appropriate that Lichter County with his wife, Colleen, My wife and I have actually slight frame. not know, despite his
is in the thick of the activity. has a place in Orange County. talked about building a house I think there are simi- imposing frame, Baker is a
After all, his company is the His property sits about an in Ohio, Lichter said. It larities in our personalities, soft-spoken leader who often
master developer changing hour south of Lichters place might happen at some point. Lichter said. I dont mean talks of love during weekly
the landscape of the Hall of on Redondo Beach, which is I love it here. I love the people this to sound egotistical, but huddles with employees at
Fame. about 8 miles south of Los here. I just think this area has everything Ive done in my the Hall of Fame.
There is only one issue: This Angeles International Airport. great potential. I am happy life, there arent too many
isnt Lichters office. We both have homes in that Ive been able to play my people I feel like I can learn SEE BUILDERS, M5
PRO FOOTBALL HALL OF FAME
An artists rendering of the completed Hall of Fame Village project.
