My Vision for Downtown Struthers Is...
In the Share Your Ideas phase, we learned how important the revitalization of downtown is to the community of Struthers. Many of you shared that you'd like to see more businesses, more activities, more flowers, and far less blight downtown. You spoke of breakfast joints, art galleries, and cat cafés; bike trails, sidewalks, and trolleys.
This gave us a pretty good idea of the community's priorities for downtown. But as we craft the downtown vision, we wanted to give you the chance to share your complete vision for Downtown Struthers so that we can write a vision statement together with you, the Struthers community.
Phases
Share Downtown Vision
At the heart of our community, Downtown Struthers is a vibrant and accessible place where residents and visitors can live, work, play, and shop locally. Downtown is a family-friendly destination that is inviting to residents, whether or not they have a plan or objective. Whether someone wants to eat breakfast, grab a coffee, explore their hobbies, or walk among nature–or simply just mingle with their neighbors, families, and friends–Downtown Struthers has it all.
Community feedback varied, but all residents were uniform in their desire to see Downtown Struthers become a space for the community; they imagined a Revitalized, Lively, and Connected downtown.
A Revitalized Downtown
Downtown Struthers is charming and picturesque; new buildings in Downtown Struthers elevate the city’s story, its historic characteristics, and its noteworthy charm.
Design standards guide and encourage property owners to update and develop buildings that lend cohesively to the historic feel of Downtown Struthers. The activation of vacant buildings has brought new life into Downtown, adding new storefronts and public spaces for the community to enjoy.
Struthers residents are in agreement that Downtown Struthers has huge potential. Supporters of Downtown revitalization overwhelmingly asked for the rehabilitation and reactivation of dilapidated buildings in the Downtown Core. Survey responses showed that Struthers’ rich history is held closely, and of great importance to the community. Residents want to see the historic aspect of Struthers preserved through design guidelines and code enforcement, while also activating new business opportunities in this historically charming Downtown.
A Lively Downtown
Downtown Struthers is a cohesive community space; it offers numerous opportunities for entertainment, shopping, socializing, and dining that welcomes all community members to come together as one.
The incorporation of street trees and plants have revived downtown’s streetscape, providing visitors a beautiful view no matter where they are. Diverse retail options offer unique and interesting shopping and dining experiences. Paired with entertainment at the new amphitheater and river-related activities, Downtown Struthers offers activities day and night, making it a premier weekend destination for residents across the region.
The community has asked for a lively and entertaining Downtown Struthers. They simply want more things to do and see. Residents made note of small additions like hanging flower baskets and sidewalk planters that would make a significant improvement to the downtown aesthetic. Additional shopping options are a must have for residents; they favor a small business atmosphere that offers vendor stations, food truck plazas, and small retail stores, especially hobby and specialty stores. Additionally, the community was in favor of entertainment and gathering spaces, such as a small performance stage or amphitheater.
A Connected Downtown
Downtown Struthers is the heart of the city; it is easily accessible to residents and is seamlessly connected to the City’s natural assets and resources, such as Yellow Creek Park and the Mahoning River.
Walkable retail areas and new development near Cene Park have created a connected and cohesive Downtown-to-River path. A proper wayfinding system aids residents in navigating around Downtown. Increased investment in multimodal transportation has increased access and safety for all residents who wish to take advantage of the Downtown Core.
The community desires a more connected downtown that offers numerous ways by which they could arrive and get around. Residents want easy access to the core of their city with mode options beyond the car; the community favors active transportation trails and a fixed-route trolley. Access to the river is a top priority. Walkable retail areas and new development near Cene Park will ensure a connected and cohesive Downtown-to-River path. A proper wayfinding system will aid residents in navigating around Downtown. Additionally, increased investment into Downtown transportation areas will, in turn, increase safety for all residents who wish to take advantage of their Downtown Core.