MANSFIELD, Ohio–Downtown Mansfield Inc. (DMI) is preparing for the upcoming season at The Brickyard and there will be some new features. A new permanent stage will be a significant addition.
“Back in 2005 we released our redevelopment plan for downtown and as part of that, one of our key five elements was to re-establish downtown as a social center and at that time there were after-work parties and farmers’ markets,” said Jennifer Kime, CEO.
Some of the events were moderately successful and over the next five to six years, DMI watched the events grow.
“The concerts kept growing. The farmers market was growing. And the Shop Hops grew,” she added.
Envisioning the next stage of downtown development and setting goals has occupied recent years. Last year a temporary stage was employed and the concerts reached record attendance.
“We decided we needed to go ahead and move forward with our vision of creating a permanent home for the community for a farmers market, for an event space, for open-air performances and for pop-up retail—a cultural epicenter, Kime said.
“It really goes to the heart of establishing downtown as a social center and providing some permanent residence to it.”
DMI’s goal is to take possession of the Tiny Tim Shop building, the space they use during the Christmas season, at 128 N. Main St. That space will hold their offices, of course, but the first floor of the building will be remodeled to include a permanent pop-up retail space in the front, and coolers, a bar and restrooms. The rear of the building will open onto the brickyard and support the regular summer events. The rennovations were designed by The Seckel Group, architects.
They also envision a year-round farmers market.
“The space will be a transitioning space. It will be available for anything from small events like wedding showers and during the winter for pop-up retail. It will still host Tiny Tim but may be expanded. It will really be a place for the community to use,” Kime continued.
Jamie Thompson, Chief Development Officer, stated, “We are embarking on a three-year capital campaign. We are looking to fundraise for the entire project. We’re thinking the budget we’re going to need is $350,000 to $400,000 for the permanent stage, signage and the building rehabilitation.”
She emphasized that the cost of the project will not be paid out of the current operating budget; it will be funded separately. DMI is a nonprofit, 501c3. Donations to DMI remain exclusive to the DMI organization.
The project will consist of three phases that will be implemented as soon as funding is secured for each level, starting with the stage construction to take place this calendar year.
The popular Final Fridays Free Concerts at The Brickyard will begin May 29 at 5 p.m. with the return of Gatlin, the longest running act featured at The Brickyard; the Jimmy Warner Band, and singer/songwriter Kelly Vaughn.
