While small businesses continue to open throughout the city, officials are working on construction a new mini-mall in downtown Steubenville.

 

At a time when many people might question businesses' success, Lou Stein of Valley Ventures said now is the best time for entrepreneurs to get their businesses up and running.

 

Many people are opening businesses because they were laid off from other jobs. By taking control, business owners like Tracie Mullins said their hard work is paying off.

 

"We've had an exceptional, response from the community and also the support of the other local businesses," said Mullins, who owns the Olde Towne Coffee Company with her husband.

 

Mullins said the family-run shop is open six days a week to serve gourmet coffee and lunches, and she's proud to be part of the business boost downtown.

 

"Most of the people that come in say, 'I'm so glad you guys are here. We needed something like this. Downtown's coming alive again,'" Mullins said.

 

The mini-mall is being constructed on Market Street. Stein and Valley Ventures have played a big part in the new development and said the coffee shop is the newest addition.

 

Stein said, in August, there were 51 vacant business locations downtown. At present, there are 42. In three years, Stein said he's hoping to get that number to zero.

 

"The more businesses that open, the more interesting the area becomes as a lifestyle center," Stein said.

 

He said he is working closely with Gina Chambers and her husband, who now hope to turn their newly bought space around and add seven or eight businesses to give the coffee shop some company.

 

Chambers said some ideas she has for tenants include stores that sell goods like jewelry or crafted candles and services like massages.

 

"Something that you can come in on your lunch hour," she said.

 

SoJo's hot dogs, which was an outside stand, will move inside the building so it can stay open all year.

 

Now that the weather has turned cold and the stand is down Shelli Ocheltree said, "If we run into a customer, they're like, 'Where are you at?'"

 

Stein said there is a simple reason why the businesses are downtown and why the ones to come will be so successful.

 

"They're the kinds of businesses needed here to service the customer base that's already here," Stein said.

 

He said progress is moving at a steady pace and the group is preparing to announce more business opening after the start of the new year.