News & Events

Downtown master plan unveiled
Wednesday, May 27, 2009

STEUBENVILLE - Details of a new master plan to bring business and development to the downtown business district were unveiled Tuesday by the Steubenville Revitalization Group and its consultant during a press conference held at Froehlich's Classic Corner.

"I believe the downtown will become a wonderful lifestyle center in the coming years with new and unique businesses as well as loft-style apartments and offices," said consultant Lou Stein of Valley Ventures. "You have here what other cities wish they had and that is a core district with beautiful historic buildings. People don't realize what is happening downtown these days as new businesses are already opening.

"This is a three-year development plan that will be done in three phases. The first phase will focus on the North Fourth and Market streets area. Phase two will look at South Fourth and Market streets, and the third phase will concentrate on North and South streets. That doesn't mean we won't attempt to fill vacancies if there is an opportunity in the later phases, but we want to create the most success in the first year that will invigorate the rest of the downtown area," explained Stein.

"I know there may be code issues in some of these buildings, and we are prepared to work with the city to address those concerns. We are also planning a facade renovation project that will include funding institutions to help the facade program. We are also looking at streetscaping and signage improvements for the business district as we move forward," said Stein.

"We want to create pedestrian traffic back downtown. We have 25 existing murals in place, and I plan to work with Beth Wood of the Convention and Visitors Bureau to fix up some of the older murals and create new murals in the target area. The Historic Fort Steuben already serves as an excellent tourist attraction on South Third Street," remarked Stein.

"We will also be looking for development partners. It is not government's job to create jobs. It is not government's job to create development. I am ready to work with potential business owners and developers who may need more traffic in their business, maybe some financial help or marketing assistance. And I am looking for entrepreneurs who are interested in locating in the downtown," declared Stein.

"I am a firm believer in positive thinking. And if you don't believe in your own town, how can you expect others to believe in it?" Stein noted.

Jerry Barilla, owner of Frank and Jerry's Appliance store on North Fourth Street, is a believer in the downtown business district. "Our business is now going on 52 years downtown. I can remember the downtown at its peak, at its pinnacle of greatness. The Hub was the mother store, and the smaller businesses were the baby stores. But then came change. The malls were built, and the chain stores came in, and The Hub withered and eventually died," recounted Barilla."But there is a new movement in the country that has seen a return to the original downtown business districts. We have seen the best of times here and the downturn of times. But I know we will continue to grow and prosper and we will keep our heritage and history alive. We are a viable community," stated Barilla.

Fourth Ward Councilman David Fortunato, who represents half of the city's downtown neighborhoods, said the city is prepared to work with the SRG to bring business and development downtown.