SHELBY — Efforts of the Shelby Community Improvement Corporation revolve around economic development growth.
Since 2013, the CIC has “refocused its energy on the development and implementation of three, long-term plans primarily dedicated to economic vitality and downtown revitalization.”
Jake Penwell, CIC president, said economic development is a “long-game” during Shelby’s Business First Breakfast recently at the North Central State College Kehoe Center.
“(It’s) a quiet and secretive game until you have a big win — then you scream it very, very loudly for everybody to hear and that’s what we should be doing,” he said.
CIC projects transforming downtown Shelby
Penwell presented recaps regarding projects the CIC accomplished last year.
The Main Street Streetscape project concluded in August 2023 — bringing new landscaping, improved flower pots, new furniture, brick crosswalks and other pedestrian enhancements to downtown.
Additionally, a new steel archway was installed on West Main Street.
Cody Albert, CIC vice president, told Richland Source in August 2023 the arch was inspired by a former arch — also located on West Main Street — made by the Ohio Steel Tube 100 years ago.
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“It’s (new streetscape) beautiful,” Penwell said. “You talk about people ranting and raving throughout the county — that’s what they’re talking about now, our beautiful arch that greets everybody at the center of town.”
In October 2023, Black Fork Commons Plaza officially opened to the public.
The CIC hosted a celebration Oct. 25, 2023 which included fireworks, live music and remarks from some of the park’s supporters.
Amenities at the plaza include walking paths, patio seating, an indoor/outdoor pavilion and a three-season use community fireplace.
Furthermore, children and families will be able to enjoy a splash fountain while visiting the plaza. The CIC plans to open the splash fountain later this spring.
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The link between revitalization and economic development
Also the owner of Penwell Turner Funeral Home, Penwell said continued work downtown helps spark an attraction for people to work and live in Shelby.
“I talk about economic development often because that is at our (CIC) core — but as part of our economic development plan, downtown revitalization was directly called out,” he said.
“If you want to attract businesses, younger generations, people to come back and live and work here, we needed to do something with downtown (Shelby) and we need to continue.”
At the plaza’s October 2023 grand opening, Jessica Gribben, economic development manager for the City of Shelby, said the Black Fork Commons makes Shelby a better place to live and work.
“I, myself, view economic development as a holistic approach,” she said.
“The goal of encouraging development is to create and preserve a quality of life for the members of the community that we serve. This fits the bill.”
Next phase: Shelby South Parklands
Looking ahead, the CIC has several “hot-topic” items regarding future revitalization projects.
In July 2013, Shelby City Council designated the organization as the city’s agent in development of a 15-acre property in the heart of downtown.
Referenced as the “Shelby South Parklands,” the property spans from Main Street to Tucker Avenue — including the previous site of Central Elementary School and Skiles Field.
“This (project) is a long game for us,” Penwell said. “In the process of all of our downtown revitalization plans we asked for quick wins.”
“Five years, then longer term 10-, 15-, 20-year wins. What can we do to transform the heart of town?”
Seeking patience from the community, Penwell said the CIC is working in partnership with the city, the Shelby Foundation and the Edge Group to develop a rendering of “what can and will become” of the Shelby South Parklands.
“We’re not ready to share that yet,” he said. “We’re very methodical of how we share in the steps.”
“Part of our success with everything that happened with downtown was a long-thought process and conversation with all of our partners as we go through (the process).”
The Shaw Building
Penwell closed his presentation with an update regarding the Shaw Building — a 19th-century structure on the corner of Main Street and Gamble Street.
The CIC purchased the property in March 2021 for $10,000, according to the Richland County auditor’s website.
Plans for the downtown building are still a topic of discussion among the non-profit organization’s leadership team, Penwell said.
“We are working towards it,” he said. “I promise it’s going to work out in the long haul. It’s also a long game a little bit in that (project) too.”
Visit the Shelby CIC website or Facebook page to learn more about the non-profit organization.