Plain City reviews Public Square concept plans; $250,000 state capital funding pledged for Market Place

Village Administrator Haley Lupton and Development Director Jason Stanford reviewed concept plans and renderings for the Public Square area, including the Depot, the planned Market Place attached to 134 Church Street, and the nearby splash pad. Ms. Lupton said a grant from the Ohio Department of Development will provide assessment and environmental-impact funding for demolition of adjacent vacant properties, and the Village will receive $250,000 in state capital funding earmarked for the Market Place structure redevelopment. She said the splash pad's concrete coating installation will begin next week and that the splash pad is expected to be completed in late summer or early fall 2026; operating season will mirror the Aquatic Center, Memorial Day through Labor Day, with daily hours from morning until dusk.

Council discussed design and usage questions for the Market Place, including whether exterior access to the indoor restrooms is feasible so the facilities could be used without entering the rental space, and debated the balance between community events and rental income. Mr. Stanford said the Development Department intern is researching strategies to commercialize rental space so entrepreneurs might test business models. Council emphasized parking needs as Uptown amenities increase; Mr. Stanford confirmed an intern is completing a parking study and that public-private partnership options and potential parking deck solutions are under review. Ms. Lupton also confirmed that the adjacent red-and-white barn will be demolished after grant-funded assessment activities and that the caboose will be permanently sited near the Depot. Union County Tourism wayfinding signs are in manufacturing and expected to be complete in late 2026.