Main Avenue Facade Program: 6 Projects Ready to Bid, Sidewalk Construction Imminent

The City Manager reported significant progress on the Main Avenue revitalization effort at the March 4, 2026 committee meeting. Facade Program Update: - City Council passed the sub-recipient grant agreement for the Appalachian Community Grant program on March 3 - Six building/business owners are ready to bid out their facade improvement projects immediately - Additional participants are working with contractors on project scoping - The program is funded by a $1.6 million Appalachian Community Grant Sidewalk Construction: - A pre-construction meeting with the sidewalk contractor is scheduled for next week - Full Main Avenue sidewalk details — start dates, timelines, and phasing — will be shared with businesses and building owners after the meeting Why This Matters: Main Avenue is being positioned as the next Bridge Street. The combination of new sidewalks and facade improvements will dramatically change the look and feel of the corridor. Business owners considering a Main Avenue location should act now while rents are still pre-improvement pricing. Source: City of Ashtabula Community Development Committee Meeting, March 4, 2026