Main Street and the surrounding historic downtown district in Ravenna are the subjects in the Downtown Ravenna District Plan to enhance and build on the current downtown and expand a cohesive design including the Portage County Administration Buildings. The impetus of the study is to develop that “sense of place” throughout the downtown district and to the south to include the Portage County Administration offices. The limits of the study area extend along Main Street, from Sycamore Street (west) to Linden Street (east) and between Highland Ave and Hazen Ave to the north and south respectively. The final plan will incorporate input from the Ravenna Community.
The project is sponsored by Main Street Ravenna and led by Main Street Ravenna’s Design Committee, chaired by Todd Peetz of the Portage County Regional Planning Commission. Jason Kentner, a Ravenna High School Alumni, and his company, Implement Studio of Columbus is performing the study. They are also working with Reed Memorial Library on a phased landscape master plan incorporating outdoor space for library programs.
The Downtown District Project will result in a cohesive downtown district plan that will embrace the historic character of the downtown along with civic, retail, cultural and green spaces throughout the study area. It will include elements of landscaping, public art, bike paths, outdoor gathering spots and more.
Implement Studios of Columbus has launched a website as well as a Facebook page dedicated to the project for all to follow along and to get involved. Follow, Like, and Share their Facebook page @RavennaDowntownDistrictPlan or check out their website at www. ravennadowntowndistrictplan.com. They also have scheduled a series of “Open Workshops” for the community to participate to offer ideas and suggestions.
Those events will be held at 260 W. Main Street in downtown Ravenna as well as at various small events held downtown throughout the summer and fall. For more information regarding the Ravenna Downtown District Plan, Please contact Julie McLain, Executive Director of Main Street Ravenna or Todd Peetz, MSR Design Chair, and Executive Director of the Portage County Regional Planning Commission or check out the website at www.ravennadowntowndistrictplan.com or www.mainstreetravenna.org.
