Land Bank seeks proposals for downtown facade improvement program

Nov. 8—The Ashtabula County Land Bank is seeking proposals from qualified architectural, engineering and planning firms for designs and construction administration for a downtown storefront facade improvement program.

"This is to support Ashtabula and Geneva's Appalachian Community Grant projects," Ashtabula County Land Bank Executive Director Alex Iarocci said.

Iarocci said the Land Bank received $100,000 from the Appalachian Community Grant Program in 2022.

"The plan is to use that money to help both cities administer their facade programs in Q1 2025 to Oct. 31, 2026," he said.

Ashtabula Downtown Development Association Publicity Committee Co-chair Alisha McLaughlin said it's an awesome opportunity for small businesses in the area.

"I think a lot of people plan to take advantage of it, and it will be exciting to see the facelift happen," she said.

City Manager Jim Timonere said they are still ironing out final details of the $1.6 million Appalachian grant the city received for downtown redevelopment.

"I have been adamant funds were set aside for a façade program," he said. "Unfortunately, this was not a project originally funded. However, we have been working with Eastgate to make sure we do have a program and we are diverting funds to make this happen.

"The Land Bank has agreed to participate with our downtown as well as Geneva by covering the cost of a firm to work with our building and business owners on their projects. This will allow us to keep more money from our grants with the construction of these projects."

Once the city receives final details on grant agreements, Timonere said he will meet with downtown building and business owners to discuss next steps for implementation.

"The Land Bank has been a great partner with the city and we are grateful for their participation throughout this grant process as well," he said.

Greater Ashtabula Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Greg Church said it's clear there are positive steps happening downtown.

"Anybody that's willing to put in dollars and effort towards the improvement on Main Avenue, it's great for all of us," he said. "We're really excited to watch it transpire."

Interested parties can contact the Land Bank at 440-576-1450 or to receive the information packet with response requirements. Responses are due by Dec. 2.