News & Events

Revitalization group sees new interest
Tuesday, June 09, 2009

STEUBENVILLE - Leaders of the Steubenville Revitalization Group said Monday they were encouraged by the new public interest in bringing business back to the downtown district.

SRG Co-Chairman Jerry Barilla called the approximately 40 people in attendance at the monthly meeting at Froehlich's Classic Corner "a welcome sight."

"Most of us are home-grown. But when you see and listen to people who visit our community, they are impressed with our churches, the cleanliness of our downtown and our murals program. If you could hear what visitors say about our downtown neighborhoods you would know there is hope here. I believe we are going to move forward, and we are not going to give up," declared Barilla.

According to Paul Moore of the SRG Beautification Committee, "we are working to obtain uniform trash containers to be placed in the 12-block business district to keep the downtown clean. And our longterm plans call for benches and new lighting that would be similar to the North End Historic District. But that will also mean looking at ways to raise funds for these projects."

Barilla also reported that the SRG "remains very interested in the donation of a Market Street building from former city businessman Harry Sigusmund."

"The building has approximately 10,000 square feet available and if we can obtain this building for a very minimal cost it may be worth it. But we will take this one step at a time. The building may be our connection to the rebuilding of the downtown," said Barilla.

The possibility of obtaining a building in the heart of the business district prompted several ideas for its future including the possibility of a general store, a Dean Martin museum, a supermarket, crafts and arts store, a small theater house and an antique mall.

Barilla also called for another look at his personal project that would dress up empty storefront windows.

"We don't have a Dean Martin museum, but why not put photos and Dean Martin items in the empty store windows. We have the opportunity to make these empty store windows look presentable again," noted Barilla.

Lou Stein of Valley Ventures, a consulting firm working with the SRG, repeated details of the master plan he unveiled two weeks ago and said he has proposed a three-year plan to bring businesses back to the downtown.

"We currently have seven or eight businesses open or preparing to open in the downtown. In the next 60 to 90 days I also hope to be announcing a new hair and nail salon, candy and ice cream store, cooperative art gallery, a new gift shop, a clothing store and a new loft apartment program. And we are working on the re-opening of the Grand Theater. That will be a challenge, and it may take 12 to 18 months. But it can be done," explained Stein.

"I am also in discussions with two other businesses that I can't identify but who are sports and entertainment related. Sometimes I get a phone call every day. People want to be part of the downtown revitalization. We will be seeing some very exciting changes downtown," added Stein.

First Ward Councilman Gerald DiLoreto called upon Franciscan University of Steubenville to "return to your downtown roots and establish a presence here again."

"I speak with both colleges in town on a regular basis, and I think Franciscan University will become involved in our downtown again," said Stein.

The SRG will meet again at 6:30 p.m. July 13 at Froehlich's Classic Corner.