‘Fall in Love with Downtown’ celebration set for Nov. 6 in Mansfield

MANSFIELD — Historic-inspired arches, glowing halo lights and new gathering spaces have reshaped downtown Mansfield.

Fall in Love with Downtown will celebrate the transformation on Nov. 6 with live music, public art and an opportunity to explore the completed Main Street Improvement Project, hosted by The City of Mansfield and Downtown Mansfield, Inc.

“This celebration is a chance to thank our downtown businesses and community for their patience and support, and to enjoy what we’ve built together,” said Jennifer Kime, CEO of Downtown Mansfield, Inc. “We’re excited to see people gathering in the plazas, visiting businesses, and making new memories downtown.”

The celebration begins at 5 p.m. with a ribbon-cutting ceremony at the South Arch at Main Street and Park Avenue West. Ohio Express will perform at 5:30 p.m., followed by Jimmy Vincent at 7:30 p.m.

Visitors can explore the new plazas, visit downtown businesses, view utility box art and browse photographs documenting Main Street before and after the improvements. Digital kiosks, new seating areas and commemorative giveaways also will be available, while supplies last.

A new reason to spend time downtown

The project cost approximately $21 million, according to a press release. It upgraded underground infrastructure, sidewalks, pedestrian crossings, lighting and landscaping, while adding public gathering spaces.

Signature features include arches inspired by historic downtown structures, halo lights and sandstone seating.

(Story continues below. Photos show progress of the Main Street Improvement Project. Credit: Richland Source file photos)

The improvements bring downtown’s public spaces closer to the quality of the businesses that already attract visitors, Kime said. Now the spaces between them invite people to stay.

The investment sends a clear message, Kime said: “Mansfield is worth investing in.”

Welcoming people back to the corridor to explore the improvements, visit businesses, grab lunch and spend time downtown is something she said she looks forward to.

“We want downtown to be somewhere you spend an afternoon, not just somewhere you run an errand,” she said.

The halo lights rank among her favorite additions because they bring a modern touch and a sense of whimsy to the historic setting. Kime said she has already seen photo shoots around the first halo light and expects more to come.

A milestone after 18 months of construction

Kime credited City Engineer Bob Bianchi for his determination and persistence throughout the project. She also thanked the construction crews, funding partners, business owners and downtown partners for helping bring the project to life and supporting it through its challenges.

“It’s been a difficult 18 months, and I can’t say enough about their commitment,” Kime said.

The project began in spring 2025 and included replacing century-old water and sewer lines, upgrading sidewalks and pedestrian crossings and a complete upgrade of Main Street from First to Sixth streets and Park Avenue from Main to Diamond streets.

Kime said the improvements represent more than a physical transformation. She hopes the investment encourages residents to imagine new possibilities for downtown and Mansfield as a whole.

“It’s about creating a place we can all be proud to call home,” Kime said. “Mansfield deserves that.”