Local foundation says downtown grant program helped spur sales, dozens of renovations

Gil Gonzales, director of special projects at the Barberton Community Foundation, told the council the foundation’s downtown 'Barberton Is Back' grant program was designed to encourage placemaking and retain local spending. "Whenever you're talking about economic development or placemaking in a community, it really starts in the heart of your downtown," Gonzales said.

The presentation, given at a Council committee meeting, said the 2025 program distributed $351,000 across six projects and attracted private matching investment that presenters variously described as bringing the total impact to about $1.15 million (presentation packet) or $1.4 million (oral summary). Melanie Black of Main Street Barberton outlined award decisions and match rules: applicants were evaluated on business plans, matching contributions and whether their concepts were distinctive enough to draw visitors rather than duplicate existing downtown businesses.

Black highlighted several awardees. Klem’s Viral Bites completed major renovations and — she said — the owner invested heavily to make the project work. "We identified a lot of vacant buildings downtown — some sitting empty 20-plus years — and the grant provided an incentive to buy and renovate them," Black said. Other named projects included Caddy Corner (under renovation), La Vina Cucina (under contract), Baked & Loaded (recent renovations) and the Tea Lady (a $20,000 award; total project investment cited at about $43,000).

Presenters described program mechanics: the Barberton Community Foundation provided funding, Main Street handled marketing and vetting, and the BCDC served as grant administrator. Scott Wagner of BCDC noted the group also operates small loan programs — including a $5,000 loan at 3% interest now available citywide — to help businesses bridge financing gaps.

Program leaders said early returns are modest but promising: Gonzales reported that 25 buildings within a one-mile downtown radius have sold since the program began, and that six applicants applied to the 2026 cycle for a single $125,000 award focused on structural repairs, façade preservation, energy upgrades and tenant improvements. Winners for the 2026 award were not named in the meeting; presenters said completion is projected by December 2026.

Why it matters: speakers framed the program as a catalytic, low-cost public investment that reduces vacancy, leverages private dollars and supports new downtown activity. Council members asked about award structure (one larger award vs. multiple smaller grants), measurement (jobs and private match) and timeline; presenters said the full-building rehabs chosen for 2025 tended to deliver larger, longer-term impact than many smaller awards.

The committee heard the presentation and had no objection to staff continuing with the program design and outreach; council members encouraged ongoing reporting on jobs, private investment and project completion schedules as the grants progress.