MANSFIELD, Ohio — The process of erecting a new stage in downtown Mansfield’s Brickyard is moving much faster than anticipated, thanks to the community’s support.
“We’ve had so much support that it’s moving way faster than most projects like this move,” said Jennifer Kime, director of Downtown Mansfield, Inc.
She said they hope to break ground for the stage within two weeks, noting, “We are very hopeful that the July [Final Friday] show will have the new stage.”
The stage will be built at the base of the Brickyard, adjacent to the Phoenix Brewing Co.
Over the past six weeks, DMI has received many pledges from a variety of sources. “We’ve had several corporate sponsors come forward, and we’ve been really excited to have people reaching out to us to donate both products and services, in addition to financial donations,” Kime said.
Construction of the Brickyard stage is one phase of a three-year project that is meant it to help establish downtown as a social center. In addition to constructing a new stage, DMI plans on purchasing and cleaning up the Tiny Tim Shoppe building at 128 N. Main St. to be used for a variety of purposes (pop-up retail, wedding showers, etc.). DMI plans on moving its office to the building, which will also house public restrooms, coolers and a bar.
“We’re looking at $400,000 for the entire project,” Kime said. “With the pledges we have now, we’re over one-third funded, she said.
“We will build each project out as we hit those fundraising goals.”
K.E. McCartney & Associates, Inc. provided surveying services for the new stage, while Seckel Group Architects completed the design.
Kime said they’re not hiring a general contractor, reasoning, “We’re trying to use all of the money and donations as conservatively as we can so that every dime is best spent, so we’re doing all of it ourselves.”
Already, she’s been contacted by people interested in using the new stage, “which is what we hoped would happen, she said.
“We want people to use that space. We’d like to see it be used every weekend of the year…We will continue to do our four concerts, but really we envision it be a community space.”
