On the outside, it looks as it always has. But on the inside, the Islamic Center of Greater Toledo is a work in progress.
"Its a big job, its a big building," Cherrefe Kadri, President of the Islamic Center said. "There are a lot of nooks and crannies but its coming along and it looks real good."
Right now, construction equipment is in the parking lot as the clean up continues. But back in September, a much different scene.
Fire broke out in the second floor prayer room, a fire investigators say was intentionally set.
Randy Linn of Indiana was eventually arrested and charged with arson and hate crimes. Linn originally pleaded guilty, however he has now requested to change his plea.
"He certainly has that right," Kadri told 13abc. "We just have to let that process continue and justice will be served whatever justice looks like."
Leaders at the Islamic Center say they're working hard to get everything back to normal as soon as possible. But for now the gates remained locked and the center is shut down. The hope is to have it opened by the spring.
In the meantime, students from the Islamic Center school are still taking classes at Owens and services are being held in other mosques. Kadri says its been a difficult rid, but the community has rallied together making the process a little easier.
"We're very fortunate to be in the greater Toledo area," she said.
As for Linn, he told the court he was depressed when he pleaded guilty. The deal called for him to serve 20 years in prison. There is no word when the judge will address his request to change his plea.
Wednesday, June 19 2013 10:53 PM EDT2013-06-20 02:53:28 GMT
Three young brothers who have been missing the more than two years were featured on national TV Wednesday night. Former "America's Most Wanted" host John Walsh profiled the case of Andrew, Alexander and
Three young brothers who have been missing for more than two years were featured on national TV Wednesday night. Former "America's Most Wanted" host John Walsh profiled the case of Andrew, Alexander and Tanner Skelton.
Wednesday, June 19 2013 6:15 PM EDT2013-06-19 22:15:15 GMT
Most of us wouldn't be able to swim across Lake Erie, so imagine doing it with a debilitating condition. A Maumee man with Crohn's disease is training to cross the lake to help raise money and awareness
Maumee man set to swim across Lake Erie in an effort to raise money for help Crohn's disease research.
Wednesday, June 19 2013 6:12 PM EDT2013-06-19 22:12:43 GMT
Five St. Ursula students traveled to Washington, DC to be honored with the Jefferson Award for Community Service. As part of their trip, they met with Congresswoman Marcy Kaptur. Washington Bureau Chief
Five St. Ursula students traveled to Washington, DC to be honored with the Jefferson Award for Community Service. As part of their trip, they met with Congresswoman Marcy Kaptur. Washington Bureau Chief Jacqueline Policastro tagged along during their visit.
Wednesday, June 19 2013 6:09 PM EDT2013-06-19 22:09:35 GMT
Changes in technology are forcing Blissfield Manufacturing to close one plant and expand another. The company made the tough decision to shut down its Portland, Indiana plant as the owners work hard
Blissfield company announces it is closing a plant in Indiana and consolidating operations in its Blissfield headquarters adding 73 jobs.
Wednesday, June 19 2013 10:53 PM EDT2013-06-20 02:53:28 GMT
Three young brothers who have been missing the more than two years were featured on national TV Wednesday night. Former "America's Most Wanted" host John Walsh profiled the case of Andrew, Alexander and
Three young brothers who have been missing for more than two years were featured on national TV Wednesday night. Former "America's Most Wanted" host John Walsh profiled the case of Andrew, Alexander and Tanner Skelton.
Wednesday, June 19 2013 9:44 PM EDT2013-06-20 01:44:14 GMT
LOS ANGELES (AP) - HBO and James Gandolfini's managers say the actor famous for his role in "The Sopranos" has died in Italy. The cable channel, and managers Mark Armstrong and Nancy Sanders, say the
James Gandolfini, whose portrayal of a brutal, emotionally delicate mob boss in HBO's "The Sopranos" helped create one of TV's greatest drama series and turned the mobster stereotype on its head, died Wednesday in Italy. He was 51.
Wednesday, June 19 2013 6:15 PM EDT2013-06-19 22:15:15 GMT
Most of us wouldn't be able to swim across Lake Erie, so imagine doing it with a debilitating condition. A Maumee man with Crohn's disease is training to cross the lake to help raise money and awareness
Maumee man set to swim across Lake Erie in an effort to raise money for help Crohn's disease research.
Wednesday, June 19 2013 6:09 PM EDT2013-06-19 22:09:35 GMT
Changes in technology are forcing Blissfield Manufacturing to close one plant and expand another. The company made the tough decision to shut down its Portland, Indiana plant as the owners work hard
Blissfield company announces it is closing a plant in Indiana and consolidating operations in its Blissfield headquarters adding 73 jobs.
Wednesday, June 19 2013 5:51 PM EDT2013-06-19 21:51:41 GMT
After more than 4 inches of rain in the first half of June, northwest Ohio and southeast Michigan has become a breeding ground for mosquitoes. Spraying is underway in hopes of reducing the threat of mosquito-borne illnesses.
After more than 4 inches of rain in the first half of June, northwest Ohio and southeast Michigan has become a breeding ground for mosquitoes. Spraying is underway in hopes of reducing the threat of mosquito-borne illnesses.
Wednesday, June 19 2013 5:11 PM EDT2013-06-19 21:11:48 GMT
First Energy got started on a project to make its energy grid in Sandusky County more reliable, but the means of getting the job done may surprise some people. The company is using a helicopter to hang
First Energy got started on a project to make its energy grid in Sandusky County more reliable, but the means of getting the job done may surprise some people. The company is using a helicopter to hang high voltage transmission lines onto the arms of towers.
Wednesday, June 19 2013 5:08 PM EDT2013-06-19 21:08:49 GMT
An inmate at Toledo Correctional Institution was indicted Wednesday on two counts of aggravated murder and one count of felonious assault. Dustin Lynch, 26, is accused of killing fellow inmate Arturo
An inmate at Toledo Correctional Institution was indicted Wednesday on two counts of aggravated murder and one count of felonious assault. Dustin Lynch, 26, is accused of killing fellow inmate Arturo Lopez in March.
Wednesday, June 19 2013 5:06 PM EDT2013-06-19 21:06:00 GMT
After two levy defeats, Bowling Green City Schools are cutting costs. The district is moving to a pay-to-participate system, charging students for after-school activities. The move could be the beginning
After two levy defeats, Bowling Green City Schools are cutting costs. The district is moving to a pay-to-participate system, charging students for after-school activities. The move could be the beginning of more cuts for the district.
Wednesday, June 19 2013 6:18 PM EDT2013-06-19 22:18:19 GMT
Toledo firefighters are on the scene of a house fire in Toledo. The fire broke out at a home on the 1100 block of Avondale just after 11:30pm Tuesday. Dispatchers tell us heavy flames are showing.
Toledo firefighters were called to the scene of a house fire in Toledo. Firefighters say they found a strong odor of gasoline inside of the home, indicating the house was possibly the target of a firebombing.
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