Ron Onesti, newly elected President of The National Italian American Sports Hall of Fame, held a press conference to announce the purchase of a building at 3417 North Harlem in Chicago. The Not-For-Profit organization spent the last twenty years at its former location on Taylor Street in Chicago.

The NIASHF has been the dream of its founder and former President, George Randazzo since 1977. He remained at the helm until July 28, 2019, when his untimely passing threatened the group's future. In June of this year, Onesti was voted by its Board of Directors to take the reins of the Hall of Fame as President in an effort to help foster Randazzo's dream and keep the organization alive.

"One of the primary goals for me personally was to find a new location to house the incredible, priceless collection of memorabilia the Hall of Fame has in its possession," Onesti said. After only one month in the position, he and the Board found a two-story building in the "North-Side Little Italy" area of the city on Harlem Avenue.

Also present at the announcement were members from the Board of Directors, other thrilled community leaders and 38th Ward Alderman Nick Sposato. "I'm honored to have The National Italian American Sports Hall of Fame in the 38th Ward," Sposato said. "I look forward to this being a huge tourist attraction that will ultimately stimulate the local economy".

Pittsburgh Steelers great and Hall of Fame inductee Franco Harris was present electronically. "George would be proud of this location. I am honored to have been a part of the organization for many years. This next chapter is sure to be its best," Harris said.

"This will be a living, breathing, interactive facility that will provide experiences based upon the wonderful stories about the three hundred-plus icons and legends inducted into the Hall," Onesti said.
The opening of the Hall of Fame is projected to be opened by Spring of 2021.