High school class advances 'Garden of Eden' downtown plan, seeks sign variance and planning review

Students from Columbiana High School presented details on a downtown placemaking project called the Garden of Eden and told the Columbiana City Council on Feb. 18 that the class has secured a $50,000 grant and plans a spring planning‑commission filing.

The project team — including seniors Marin Hepler and Danica Hollis and their teacher, Trish Mesos — described a multiuse installation on South Main Street that would include a two‑story gathering structure, a performance stage, concessions, additional parking and a large mural overlooking the stage. “We have received $50,000 from T‑Mobile through the Hometown Grant,” Marin Hepler told council.

Why it matters: The work is tied to downtown revitalization and would place a permanent mural and stage in the city’s historic core, creating a new public amenity and performance space that the students say could host events tied to Main Street programming.

Details and next steps: Hepler said the students will submit a site‑plan review application to the Planning Commission on March 11 and will request a variance because the mural exceeds the city’s 100‑square‑foot sign ordinance. The presenters said they have been working with a local artist, identified in the project packet as Bree Bow, and with contacts including David Barbee and other local stakeholders to refine the mural and construction plans. City staff signaled the city would work on public notices and the planning‑commission process; City Manager Lance Willard told council staff will help with agreements and ownership terms.

Council and staff comments centered on timing and visibility: staff and council members urged the students to avoid having the mural opening get overshadowed by other large downtown events, and suggested completing the mural before the fall street fair so the project can be showcased on its own. Hepler and Hollis said construction and painting timelines will depend on excavation, soil and site work; the presenters said they expect more specifics after the site‑plan review and further meetings with city staff.

Funding and maintenance: Willard said the city is working on agreements with project partners and that the mural would likely be owned by the city with a maintenance bond to cover future repairs. The students and staff discussed using class members and a professional artist to execute the painting, with the professional leading most of the work and students assisting.

What’s next: The Planning Commission will receive the site‑plan application and the variance request on March 11; council and staff will continue working with the students on schedule, agreements and technical reports such as soils and engineering required for the structure.