Downtown Event Schedule Downtown Canton’s streetscape comes alive with fun festivals!
First Friday of every month
L
ight Up Downtown, presented by the Canton Regional Chamber of Commerce, returns for another year of downtown family fun on Thursday, Dec. 3!
Light Up is your chance to watch 14 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, along with ice princesses, and local song and dance troupes in a very entertaining musical main stage show. Plus you’ll enjoy a ho-ho-holiday visit from the man in red an a special extended fireworks display to celebrate the 25th anniversary of Light Up Downtown.
PHOTO BY: Lee Spencer Photography
(continued on page six)
Oct. 21 - Nov. 25
Dec. 3
SPECIAL FEATURES
• Light Up Downtown • First Friday • SID Annual Meeting • Downtown Living • Phoenix Rising • Canton Charge • Downtown Deals • Farmers’ Market • Community Garden
WHATWHEREWHEN
T
emps 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 boutiques and other businesses are alive with shoppers. (continued on page six)
Vol. 16 Issue One
First Friday Fun Continues in November, December and January
NOVEMBER • DECEMBER 2015 • JANUARY 2016
Family Fun and Holiday Hoopla at Light Up Downtown
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
SID Annual Meeting Set for Nov. 19
T
he
Downtown
Canton
Special Improvement District
(SID) annual meeting will take place
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.
on Thursday, November 19 at 4pm at the Canton Regional Chamber of Commerce (located at 222 Market Ave. N. in downtown Canton). This meeting will include a review of 2015, 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 or individuals receiving the annual awards at this year’s meeting are: J. Albert Studios; Chit Chat Coffee Shoppe and Café; Downtown Yoga; Ikon Images Gallery & Shoppe; Cool Again; Stoffer’s Market; Agile Networks; Lakebrook Properties; and Canton Bike Kitchen; Arrowhead Vintage; Collective Skate; and King Properties. Board Member Election Board members that are up for election for a two-year term are: David T. Beule; Robert
J. Hankins; Michael E. King; Rodney W. Meadows; David Peppard and Charles D. Hall III. 2015 Annual Report The Special Improvement District 2015 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. 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. It 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 – south, 12th Street – north, Savannah Avenue – east, High Avenue – west.
DOWNTOWN LIVING: Newly Renovated Apartments Available on Fifth Street
D
emand for downtown Canton living is high, and developers like Mike King are answering the call.
The most recent residential property to become available is the newly renovated Superior apartment building at 817 Fifth St. NW, near the intersection of Fifth Street NW and Shorb Ave. The property is owned by King, president and owner of King Properties, who spent two years rehabbing 14 units within the historic building.
the Lofts at 400 McKinley, the Superior apartments are a muchneeded addition in downtown and will likely fill quickly. For more information on the Superior Building units, contact King Properties at 330.452.5464.
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The apartments include modern amenities like granite countertops, subway tile in bathrooms, and new appliances while retaining the building’s 1920s charm like French doors, hardwood floors, and steam-heat radiators. Some units have balconies and bright sunrooms. The building is just a short walk to the Canton Arts District, numerous restaurants and bars, and local businesses. In warmer months, residents can walk a couple of blocks to the Canton Farmers’ Market and the downtown community garden, where they can plant their own fruits and vegetables. Square footage varies from 482 to 1,000 per unit, and monthly rent runs between $500-$800. Some of the 14 units are already taken. Ample and affordable downtown living is essential for the continued growth of downtown Canton. With existing downtown apartments fully-occupied including the Historic Onesto Lofts and
PHOTO BY: J. Albert
Downtown Canton Welcomes New Tenant, 72 Jobs Phoenix Rising Behavorial Healthcare and Recovery, Inc., has relocated from the Belden Village area to the historic Polsky Building located at 624 Market Avenue North. Phoenix Rising is a non-profit agency that works to empower and strengthen children, adolescents and adults in their growth and recovery from adjustment disorders, depression, anxiety, ADHD, anger management, trauma and alcohol and drug use. Having outgrown office space in Jackson Township, the agency’s new downtown location accommodates their long-term needs and allows their 72 employees to better serve 6,000 clients from Stark, Summit, Wayne and Tuscarawas Counties. The building, which had been vacant since 2012, was purchased and renovated by Lakebrook Properties, LLC, which consists of Tim Putman of Putman Properties and partner Wick Hartung, as well as Steve Marcelli and Hartville investor George Stradley. Putman Properties would serve as the leasing agent and manager of the building. Building improvements include a new rubber roof, asphalting the 160car parking lot, upgrading the HVAC, and various interior repairs. Canton City Council, Fonda Williams, Deputy Mayor for the City of Canton, and Mike Gill, Vice President of Economic Development for
the Canton Regional Chamber of Commerce, were instrumental in assembling a “Job Creation Tax Credits” for Phoenix Rising. The agency will begin serving clients from its new location starting Monday, November 2.
Canton Charge Begins 5th Season on November 14 When the weather turns from warm sun to wintery snow, there’s still plenty to do in downtown Canton. Head indoors and enjoy a Canton Charge basketball game - it’s guaranteed fun for the whole family! The Charge is Canton’s very own NBA Development League team, owned and operated by the Cleveland Cavaliers. The team plays 24 home games each season at the Canton Memorial Civic Center, and they’re coming off a season with franchise record-breaking attendance! Tickets start at just $8 and include a free First Energy Kids Zone at every game and post-game Kids Free Throws on the court every Friday. Super-popular theme nights like Cavs Night and Fan Appreciation Night happen throughout the season, too. Home games run from midNovember through March; visit canton.dleague.nba.com to learn more.
STOFFER’S MARKET
Downtown Dining Deals
Wednesdays through Nov. 25
O
n Wednesdays in November, the Downtown Special
Improvement District will once again be hosting the “Downtown Dining Deals” promotion. Diners to 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 25. 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 Marques Napoli’s Italian Eatery Sports Therapy Bar and Grill Thatsa Wrapp Thorpe’s Market Avenue Grill “The Downtown Deals Wednesday promotion is an excellent opportunity to experience some of the incredible local restaurants in downtown Canton,” said Mike Gill, vice president of economic development for the Canton Regional Chamber of Commerce. “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.
Co
o p u
n!
After 5PM on Wednesdays October 21 - November 25 BUY ONE ENTRÉE GET ONE ENTRÉE HALF OFF
(of equal or lesser value)
COUPON REQUIRED
PRESENTED BY
SPONSORED BY
Amvets 555 Bender’s Tavern Cheese Louise Deli Ohio Desert Inn George’s Lounge Lucca Marques Napoli’s Italian Eatery Sports Therapy Bar and Grill Thatsa Wrapp Thorpe’s Market Avenue Grill
Not valid with any other offer or for carryout. Valid at participating locations Wednesdays after 5:00 p.m. Participating locations listed above. Restrictions may apply. Discount excludes tax and tip. Please tip your server generously. Coupon valid October 21, 2015 through November 25, 2015.
Light Up Downtown ... Best of all? This festive festival is FREE! You can look forward to: • Horse-drawn carriage rides • Children’s crafts and activities • Dozens of local businesses providing activities and refreshments • 14 blocks of holiday cheer!
and Stark County District Library parking lots, as well as parking in various decks and lots throughout downtown for a nominal fee. Visit www.lightupdowntown.com for a full schedule of events. For those looking to double the dose of downtown holiday hoopla, continue the holiday festivities downtown at First Friday on December 4. Visit www.cantonfirstfriday.com for all the details.
Donate Winter Essentials and “Spread the Warmth”! 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, mittens, scarves, and socks, bring them to one of our donation boxes, located at the Canton Regional Chamber of Commerce, and other downtown Canton locations, between now and Nov. 27. Visit LightUpDowntown.com for a list of donation locations. Monetary donations will also be accepted. Checks can be made payable to the Canton Regional Chamber of Commerce and mailed to CRCC, Erin Thompson, 222 Market Ave. North, Canton, OH 44702. 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
First Friday ... 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.
November 6 - Canton First Friday moves indoors for November’s event themed “Giving Thanks” as we thank our local community for 101 months of art, music, food, and fun in the Canton Arts District. Who are you thankful for? Show them a good time in Downtown Canton or get them a little gift that lets them know.
December 4 - There’s no better place in the world to buy a gift
than the Canton Arts District. Forget that big box store and come out to December’s First Friday, Home for the Holidays. Stop in to one of our galleries, vintage shops, or restaurants to find a unique present or gift card for any budget, taste, or style. Buy ART and win! Buy $20 or more in art at one of our galleries or studios and you could win up to $100!
January 1 - Bundle up and head downtown to enjoy a New
Year’s Day like no other as we celebrate everyone’s favorite First Friday, ice! A merry band of local carvers join the professional carvers from Elegant Ice Creations to cover the Arts District in works made entirely out of ice. And of course, stop in all your favorite “hot spots” for new art, fun finds, and great food. For the most up-to-date First Friday information, visit www. CantonFirstFriday.com.
First Friday happens every first Friday of the month from 6 to 10 p.m. in downtown Canton. First Friday is presented by ArtsinStark, the County Arts Council, and the Downtown Canton Special Improvement District.
Farewell to the biggest and best Farmers’ Market season yet
T
he Downtown Canton Special Improvement District 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 12th market season! For 18 weeks this summer, Canton Farmers’ Market growers and producers offered Stark County an exceptional variety of locallygrown produce, organic meats, artisan cheeses, the freshest breads, scrumptious baked goods, vibrant flowers, 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, 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 City of Canton, The Repository, Mix 94.1 and News-Talk 1480 WHBC, and the Downtown Canton Special Improvement District. While the market has ended for this season, we’re already looking ahead to next year. See you all there in June!
Community Garden roots grow deeper in sixth year The downtown Summit Neighborhood Community Garden, celebrating its 6th anniversary in 2015, has just completed its most bountiful year yet! Neighborhood gardeners grew hundreds of pounds of produce again this season, including tomatoes, lettuces, squashes, strawberries, beans, and 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 was funded 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, $20 for a double plot, with tools and water available. Call 330-588-3205 ext. 3 for more information about reserving a plot.
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More event information at www.DowntownCanton.com
Nov-Jan
November First Friday Canton Arts District November 6
Light Up Downtown Downtown Canton December 3
Christkindl Markt Cultural Center for the Arts November 13-15
December First Friday Canton Arts District December 4
Canton Charge Canton Memorial Civic Center Season Begins November 14!
January First Friday Canton Arts District January 1