Downtown Developments Nov/Dec/Jan 2014

First Friday of every month

Through November

of downtown family fun on Thursday, Dec. 4. Light Up is your chance to

watch 16 city blocks come alive with attractions, entertainment, refreshments and fun for children of all ages. The excitement is happening from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. in downtown Canton.

This year’s Light Up will feature Christopher Pop-In-Kins, every child’s favorite elf, in a very special musical main stage show that will light up the skies and your spirits. Plus, you’ll enjoy community musical acts, fantastic fireworks and a ho, ho, ho-liday visit from the man in red. You’re in for a night of surprises and fun for all ages! Best of all? This festive festival is FREE!

2015

Downtown Canton’s streetscape comes alive with fun festivals!

a department of the Canton Regional Chamber, returns for another year

2014 • JAN.

2014 Downtown Event Schedule

L

ight Up Downtown, presented by the Canton Development Partnership,

NOV. • DEC.

Christopher Pop-In-Kins “pops-in” again at Light Up Downtown

You can look forward to carriage rides, singing and local dance troupe performances, children’s crafts and activities and much, much more! The downtown center city is transformed into a winter wonderland for the occasion, and our local businesses will provide activities and refreshments as you take in all the holiday delights our community has to offer.

Donate Hats & Mittens!

Thursday, Dec. 4

During the event, the Canton City Fire Department will distribute hats and mittens to children in need. If you would like to donate new children’s hats and mittens, please bring them to one of our donation boxes, located at the Canton Regional Chamber of Commerce, and other downtown Canton locations, between now and the Light Up event. Visit LightUpDowntown.com for a list of all donation locations. (continued on page seven)

• Light Up Downtown • First Friday • New Downtown Businesses • McKinley Grand Hotel • Canton Brewing Co. • SID Annual Meeting • Downtown Deals • Canton Farmers’ Market • Community Garden

PARTNERSHIP REPORT WHATWHEREWHEN

Temps may be dropping, but First Friday fun continues year-round - rain, shine, or snow!

First Friday, the arts, music and entertainment festival that transforms downtown Canton on the First Friday of each month, has a festive lineup through this holiday season and beyond!

Each month, art galleries and studios of downtown Canton welcome you to experience a night of creativity. Local restaurants cook up

heavenly cuisine, and the shops and businesses are absolutely alive.

Live theater performances, poetry slams, public art demonstrations, painting experiments, improv comedy, children’s activities and gallery openings abound, as do opportunities to get to know the artists, craftsmen and entrepreneurs who are making the revitalization of our center city a reality. (continued on page seven)

Vol. 14 Issue Four

SPECIAL FEATURES

First Friday Fun Continues in November, December and January

Downtown Developments is published quarterly by Canton Development Partnership, a department of Canton Regional Chamber of Commerce in cooperation with Downtown Canton Special Improvement District

Michael P. Gill

Partnership Report 222 Market Ave. N. Canton, OH 44702 (330) 456-0468 fax (330) 452-7786 cdp@cantonchamber.org www.DowntownCanton.com Dennis P. Saunier President & CEO Michael P. Gill Director Annette Rosenberger Office Manager Denise Burton Membership Director Collyn Floyd Marketing Director & Editor Erin Thompson Downtown Events Manager Sarah Lutz Graphics Manager The Canton Development Partnership is a coalition of area development organizations and city government that share an interest in downtown Canton’s continual improvement, revitalization, image, and quality of life for its citizens.

Its mission is to support and coordinate the activities and programs of its partner organizations in order to encourage and sustain community and economic development in downtown Canton.

The partnering organizations include: Canton Regional Chamber of Commerce, Downtown Canton Special Improvement District, Downtown Canton Land Bank, Canton Tomorrow, Inc., and City of Canton.

Information regarding downtown events and news can be submitted for reprint at the discretion of the Partnership director and publication editor.

The Canton Development Partnership reserves the right to edit all copy. Deadlines are the 15th of the month, two months prior to publication (i.e., March 15 for the May/June/July issue).

Statements of fact and opinion within Downtown Developments are the responsibility of the authors alone and do not imply the opinion of the members of Canton Development Partnership or its partnering organizations.

Advertising rates and specifications are available by contacting the Chamber sales department at (330) 458-2067.

The Canton Development Partnership is pleased with the progress that we have achieved in 2014 and we look forward to the challenges of 2015. We want to take this opportunity to thank all of our business leaders and the City of Canton for assisting us in promoting a strong, safe and beautiful downtown. We will continue to focus on investment in our center city and identifying the infrastructure needs of our community.

Below are some of the more important focus areas of downtown and 2014 results.

Stark State College: In 2014, we welcomed Stark State to our downtown family. The oil and gas training center was dedicated in August and the remainder of the downtown satellite center is expected to be operational in January 2015. We look forward to serving the needs of students, faculty and visitors in our center city.

McKinley Grand Hotel: The physical improvements of our only downtown hotel is critical to its future success.

During 2014, the McKinley Grand made some important updates to the hotel and its amenities. We expect more improvements next year.

Onesto Hotel: We were thrilled to see the building open for its first large-scale event, ChocoVino, in October. Construction of 45 market rate apartments are also underway and the Onesto will welcome its first residents in 2015. Equally important is that the renovation of the Onesto also means a rehab for the Bliss Tower and the parking deck, both of which will serve the Onesto.

Downtown Living: More market rate downtown living unit options are needed in addition to the Onesto and the Lofts at 400 McKinley. We are presently searching for buildings that can be repurposed for additional living space.

2013 Downtown Master Plan/City of Canton Comprehensive Plan: In 2014, we distributed an updated version of our 2003 downtown master plan. Also, in 2014 the City of Canton committed to their own city-wide comprehensive plan (last plan was adopted in the 1960s). CZB is the lead consultant for both plans.

Restaurants and Retail: We welcomed a number of new businesses to our downtown scene. Tapas 218 and Cheese Louise opened eateries, while new retail/art businesses were represented

by Arrowhead, Artisan Alley Tattoos, Birchwood+Pine, Dress No Evil, Old Kinderhook and Snarky Art. The Canton Development Partnership appreciates the support it has received from our community in 2014 and looks forward to another outstanding year in 2015.

Five New Businesses Open Shop in Downtown Canton

W

e love our downtown restaurants, bars and art galler-

ies...and now, our retail and specialty shops!

Retail is growing in downtown Canton, and we’re excited to see our community become increasingly well-rounded in its offerings. In this issue, we’ll introduce you to five (that’s right, five!) new stores in neighborhood.

Arrowhead Vintage This ever-changing shop comprised of vintage and handmade goods is your spot for vinyl records, cassette tapes, vintage home goods, hand-knitted scarves and hats, beard oil, unique items of time gone by, and plenty more. Looking for a 1980s metal lunchbox? We spotted a sweet Dukes of Hazzard one on a recent visit. Want Journey’s Greatest Hits on cassette? It can be yours for just one dollar. Is a new t-shirt or handmade knit hat more your style? Arrowhead will hook you up.

Shop owners Dave and Melissa Sherrill are recent transplants from the Dallas/Fort Worth area. After moving to the area for Dave’s work, they quickly became regulars in the downtown arts and music scene, and like many Canton transplants, quickly came to love our city. After tossing around the idea for their store with some friends on a Friday night, it became reality (practically) overnight: by the following Monday they were checking out retail space on 4th St. They opened at October’s First Friday.

The Sherills hand-pick their goods from garage sales, estate sales, and thrift stores, reselling their carefully-curated selections always at a fair price.

Stop in frequently to see what’s new, or new-toyou, as the case may be. They’re located at 340 4th St. NW and online at www.facebook.com/ArrowheadCanton.

Artisan Alley Tattoos Artisan Alley Tattoos isn’t new to Canton, but it is new to downtown. In late September, this tattoo shop relocated from Meyer’s Lake Plaza to the 300 block of Cleveland Ave. N., after a little encouragement from “Buzzbin Mike” (Mike Nazvadi).

Owner Rickey Mendell said, “downtown Canton is the best possible location for our shop. We’ve had more foot traffic in three weeks here than we had in three years at our former location.”

In addition to Mendell, Artisan Alley consists of Rob Allman, Operator, Carly Bean, Tattoo Artist, and Mic Allison, Tattoo Artist. Expect high-quality, custom-designed tattoos (no “clip art” tattoos here!) in a variety of styles: traditional, neo-traditional, realism, black and grey, portraits, and more.

Stop by on First Friday and special “Art Nights” to check it out and shop custom prints for sale in the front of the store. Expect to become inspired by some of the unique designs they’ve created for their clients. Who knows...your tattoo may be next.

Visit them at 331 Cleveland Ave. N and online at www.facebook.com/ArtisanAlleyTattoos.

Birchwood + Pine Birchwood + Pine is a lovely little boutique situated next to Thatsa Wrapp on 6th St. NW. Shop owner and local artist Rachel Jernigan has assembled a collection of her own artwork and wares, along with pieces from local artists, knitters, jewelry makers, and more. She has hand-picked vintage and consignment items available as well.

If you’ve been to Crafty Mart in Akron, you’ll likely notice some of the merchandise looks familiar; she carries lines from a few of the same vendors.

You’ll find wall art, hand-printed coasters, vintage clothing, handmade jewelry, kimonos, hand-knitted wool scarves, t-shirts (featuring Jernigan’s designs), wooden robots, vintage and new home goods, and much, much more.

Jernigan, who was looking for retail space in several cities in Northeast Ohio, was drawn to downtown Canton by the community’s friendliness and eagerness to welcome her business.

If modern, funky, stylish, vintage, locally-made, or one-of-a-kind is your thing, you’ll love Birchwood + Pine. Can you say Christmas shopping? Birchwood + Pine is located at 602 6th St. NW; visit www. facebook.com/birchwoodandpine to learn more.

Photos, top to bottom: Arrowhead Vintage, Artisan Alley Tattoos, Birchwood+Pine, Old Kinderhook, and Snarky Art. continued on next page ...

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New Businesses ...

Old Kinderhook What do Martin Van Buren and Canton have in common? Not much, we imagine, until now.

We caught up with proprietor Dan Monea of the band Hey Monea to get the scoop on this newfound connection.

Over $2 Million Invested in McKinley Grand Renovations

It started when Dan and his pals became curious about the origins of the phrase “OK.” Our country’s 8th president, we learned, belonged to an exclusive club called Old Kinderhook.

As legend goes, once you got in, you were “OK”...and that’s how one of our most common phrases was born.

Now downtown Canton has a new shop called Old Kinderhook, a modern-day “clubhouse” for Dan and friends - Nate Monea, Sean McCardle, Gannon Stokes, and Chad Milligan - to work on creative projects together. It’s also a spot for the public to buy Canton-themed t-shirts (designed and screened in-house), as well as art, insect photography, hand-drawn movie posters, hand-blown glass products, and more.

The small shop is teeming with “cool stuff,” plus once a month they plan to host a movie night where McCardle will sell a movie poster to match. Learn more at www.facebook.com/oldkinderhookcanton or stop by at 306 4th St. NW in the arts district.

Snarky Art After years of having her own booth space at Second April Galerie, longtime Canton artist Judi Krew decided to venture on her own and set up a working studio called Snarky Art in the 400 block of McKinley NW. Her new space, around the corner but also connected to Journey Art Gallery, is both a working space and gallery. Because of Snarky Art’s handy location, Krew’s studio is open when Journey is open, as well as by appointment. The Journey “complex” now consists of Su Nimon’s Journey gallery, a classroom, and Krew’s space, which are all connected, and available for multi-purpose use.

In addition to providing a bright and cheery space for her own works, Krew, a state certified K-12 art teacher, offers home schooling art programs, “make and take” sessions for groups, Boy Scouts’ Art Merit Badge (Krew is a registered BSA counselor), on-site painting for event entertainment, and private lessons.

Walk into the McKinley Grand Hotel, and you’ll be pleasantly greeted by more than just friendly staff: the hotel features new furniture, draperies, and flooring in public areas such as the lobby and restaurant.

Head down one of several hallways, and you’ll see new carpet and wall coverings.

Stay as a guest and you’ll enjoy a renovated indoor pool and fitness area, as well as new flat-screen TVs in rooms.

The $2 million-worth of improvements is not all cosmetic, however. New cooling equipment and a card-key locking system have also been installed as part of the renovations.

Additional upgrades are anticipated as funds become available. With local demand for hotel rooms increasing from Utica Shale drilling, as well as local attractions and conventions, McKinley Grand’s owners intend to make the county’s largest fullservice hotel “a showpiece.”

Snarky Art is located at 410 McKinley Ave. NW in the Canton Arts District.

Sneak Peak of Canton Brewing Company’s Menu!

W

e’re counting down the weeks until Canton Brewing Company opens its doors in downtown Canton…and not just for their craft beers, either.

We caught up with Julian Christian of Canton Brewing Company to talk all things food. Let’s just say we’re as excited to sample their menu as we are their beers.

The menu will largely focus around homemade wood-fired pizzas and in-house smoked barbeque. For instance, Christian, who spent several years in the kitchen at Bender’s Tavern, is bringing some of that seafood background to the “table” with his Bar Harbor Pizza: lobster meat, celery, caramelized leeks, and a parmesan and garlic cream sauce. On the BBQ side, offerings include beef brisket, smoked chicken, and pork shoulder with sides like kale chips, hot dish (tater tot casserole with ham & cheese) and at-cost truffle fries, to name a few.

Those “at-cost truffle fries”? That’s a fun way to let customers know they’re doing their best to keep prices reasonable.

Salads and sandwiches sound scrumptious, too. Try the Brewmasters’ Bibb Salad topped with crispy pancetta, candied walnuts, figs, warm blue cheese emulsion, and choice of grilled chicken or smoked brisket. If you’re craving carbs, there’s the brisket sandwich on a pretzel roll topped with blue cheese slaw, crispy shallots and housemade Tuscora BBQ sauce.

Last but not least, leave room for a scoop of Maple Bacon Pecan Stout ice cream. How could anyone resist?

The menu will include a handy beer pairing guide, so you’re sure to order the right beer with your entrée. Of course, you can also order a flight of beers and choose which you like best. Stay tuned for information on beer dinners, tastings, and much more in the weeks and months to come.

Farewell to the biggest and best Farmers’ Market season yet

T

he Canton Development Partnership would like to extend a BIG THANK YOU to all of our

market vendors, our Canton Farmers’ Market supporters and customers, Timken High School and the downtown Canton community for an incredible 11th market season!

For 18 weeks this summer, Canton Farmers’ Market growers and producers offered Stark County locally-grown produce, organic meats, artisan cheeses, the freshest breads, scrumptious baked goods, vibrant flowers, artisan wares, and much, much more.

During the height of the season, as many as 30 vendors—many weeks reached capacity—convened in the Timken High School Administrative parking lot (at the corner of Fourth Street and McKinley Avenue NW). Live entertainment, children’s art projects, chefs’ demos, pet education & family health day, gardening advice and more rounded out each Saturday morning in downtown Canton.

This season would not have been possible without our wonderful vendors, loyal customers and generous sponsors. A special thank you goes to the market sponsors including Aultman Health Foundation, The Repository, Mix 94.1 and News-Talk 1480 WHBC, and the Canton Regional Chamber of Commerce.

While the market has ended for this season, we’re already looking ahead to next year. See you all there in June!

Community Garden sprouts strong in the fifth year The downtown Summit Neighborhood Community Garden, celebrating its 5th anniversary in 2014, has just completed its most bountiful year yet! Neighborhood gardeners grew hundreds of pounds of produce again this season, including lettuces, squashes, strawberries, beans, corn, and lots more!

The Community Garden is located at the intersection of Fifth Street and High Street NW. Garden growers enjoyed raised beds, courtesy of our garden coordinators, Project REBUILD, and all 79 boxes were filled to the brim with local plants!

The garden offers the community a place to grow healthy, nutritious food, and helps to ease food costs and build awareness for the importance of locally grown produce. It also provides a source of social interaction, building a greater sense of community pride and increasing personal connections. Garden growers are often seen bringing their children to the plots, helping teach them the important connection between food, health, and the earth.

The downtown Summit Neighborhood Community Garden is sponsored by the Special Improvement District, JPMorgan Chase, Stark Community Foundation, with support from Project REBUILD, the garden coordinator.

The garden will reopen next spring for another bountiful season! Plots are only $10, with tools and water available.

Special Improvement District Annual Meeting The Downtown Canton Special Improvement District (SID) annual meeting will take place on Thursday, Nov. 20, at 4 p.m. at the Canton Regional Chamber of Commerce (located at 222 Market Ave. N in downtown Canton). This meeting will include a review of 2014, the election of board members, and the presentation of SID annual awards, which recognize projects and investments in our downtown.

SID Annual Awards The businesses receiving the annual awards at this year’s meeting are: Amerimar Realty Company; Canton Brewing Company; Cheese Louise; Cultured Coffee; Onesto Hotel; Stark State; Tapas 218 and YMCA. Board Member Election Board members that are up for election for a two-year term are: Ronald D. Becker; Steve Coon; Jon H. Jacob; Dennis P. Saunier; and Thomas W. Schervish II.

All property owners in the SID—as well as members of the public—are welcome to attend the meeting to learn about downtown projects and to network with fellow property owners, downtown supporters and business owners. Please RSVP by calling Annette Rosenberger at (330) 458-2092.

The SID is a non-profit corporation that provides programming to preserve the economic well-being of downtown Canton. The organization is dedicated to preserving the aesthetic, architectural and historic character of the downtown area and is funded by special assessments on downtown property owners. Boundaries of the district generally are Ninth Street on the south, 12th Street on the north, Savannah Avenue on the east, and High Avenue on the west.

2014 Annual Report The Special Improvement District 2014 Annual Report will also be distributed at this meeting. To obtain a copy of the Annual Report, visit www.downtowncanton.com or stop in to the Canton Development Partnership offices.

Downtown Dining Deals

O

n Wednesdays in November, the Downtown Special Improvement District will once again be

hosting the “Downtown Dining Deals” promotion.

Diners at the participating downtown Canton restaurants will receive one half-priced entrée for each entrée they purchase at regular price. Select downtown restaurants will offer this special discount to diners every Wednesday through November 26.

The discount is valid after 5 p.m. only.

In order to receive the discount, a coupon must be presented at time of purchase. Coupons can be downloaded from www.DowntownCanton.com, or clipped from select issues of The Repository.

Downtown Deals will feature 12 downtown Canton restaurants, including: Amvets 555 | Bender’s Tavern Cheese Louise | Deli Ohio Desert Inn | George’s Lounge Lucca | Napoli’s Italian Eatery Sports Therapy Bar and Grill Tapas 218 | Thatsa Wrapp Thorpe’s Grill at the McKinley Grand “The Downtown Deals Wednesday promotion is an excellent opportunity to experience some of the incredible local restaurants in downtown Canton,” said Mike Gill, director of the Downtown Special Improvement District. “Diners can experience both casual and fine dining, including some new restaurants to downtown, with this exciting promotion.”

For details about Downtown Deals Wednesday, visit www.DowntownCanton.com, or contact Annette Rosenberger at annette@ cantonchamber.org or (330) 458-2092. The Downtown Deals promotion is presented by the Downtown Canton Special Improvement District and sponsored by The Repository.

7

Light Up Downtown ...

Light Up Downtown will be held rain, snow or shine. There will be plenty of free parking, both on-street and in the Timken High School and Stark County District Library parking lots, as well as parking in various decks and lots throughout downtown for a nominal fee.

Our event sponsors (to date) include: Key Bank, AEP Ohio, Aultman, H-P Products, Kenan Advantage Group, Lowe’s, Metro PCS, the City of Canton, Downtown Canton Special Improvement District, The Repository, Mix 94.1 and News-Talk 1480 WHBC AM and PPI Graphics.

Visit www.lightupdowntown.com for a full schedule of events and even more details about Christopher Pop-In-Kins and this year’s show.

For those looking to double the dose of downtown holiday hoopla, continue the holiday festivities downtown at “Jingle Mingle” First Friday on December 5.

Visit www.cantonfirstfriday.com for all the details.

About Christopher Pop-In-KinsTM and Imaginatives®

Christopher Pop-In-Kins, written and published in 1985 by Flora Johnson of Atwater, Ohio, is the award winning story of Santa’s “very first Children’s Elf.” Imaginatives is the creative team behind Christopher Pop-In-Kins. Located in Alliance, Ohio, Imaginatives specializes in the development, marketing and distribution of children’s books and toys. For more information, visit Christopher Pop-In-Kins online www. christopherpopinkins.com

First Friday! (continued from cover)

November 7: Home of the Brave Lined up besides Veteran’s Day, this First Friday is a salute to those who served our country. Patriotic activities and music will be in store at the various galleries and studios – many offering much deserved discounts to military shoppers.

December 5: Jingle Mingle Wrapped up for holiday shopping, this First Friday puts emphasis on downtown businesses that have just the right thing for the special people on your list. Live music will be inside, adding to the holiday hum as new exhibits at Translations, Journey Gallery and Second April package the visual punch to this pre-season bowl.

January 2: Frozen Don’t be surprised if you see the chilly figures of Elsa, Olaf or Marshmallow as they are temporarily carved into the landscape, as this First Friday is everyone’s favorite. Featuring ice carving creations from professionals and not-so professionals, the streets will be lined with art that will melt your heart.

For the most up-to-date First Friday information, visit www.CantonFirstFriday.com.

First Friday is celebrated every first Friday of the month from 6 to 10 p.m. in downtown Canton. First Friday is sponsored by Stark Community Foundation, and presented

by ArtsinStark, the County Arts Council, and the Downtown Canton Special Improvement District.

Photo courtesy of Jeremy Aronhalt.

Winter

November First Friday Canton Arts District November 7

December First Friday Canton Arts District December 5

Light Up Downtown Central Plaza Downtown December 4

January First Friday Canton Arts District January 2

More event information at www.DowntownCanton.com