Downtown Wooster square construction continues
Work is currently underway on the southwest quadrant of the square in downtown Wooster. The project is slated for completion Sept. 30, according to city engineer Roger Kobilarcsik.
There will be a summer of some orange barrels downtown, but the end is in sight for construction on the square in downtown Wooster.
Work is currently underway on the southwest quadrant of the square in downtown Wooster in front of Everything Rubbermaid and the PNC bank.
The project is slated for completion Sept. 30, according to city engineer Roger Kobilarcsik. “We anticipate being able to meet that date,” he said.
In Northeast Ohio the weather is always a factor, and the city is facing some challenges in getting supplies due to supply-chain issues from the pandemic.
The southwest quadrant is phase three of the city’s downtown improvements from its comprehensive plan, which has seen complete reconstruction of the northeast and southeast quadrants and significant repairs to downtown sidewalks to the east and west, as well as parking improvements.
The first phase of the project involved a complete renovation to the northeast quadrant to include a central gathering place with a new gazebo, benches, shade and ornamental trees, reconfigured parking, tables and chairs, as well as a steel arch featuring the city logo facing the courthouse.
The southeast quadrant was completed last fall and included a refinished parking lot and a reconstructed corner featuring turf, trees, decorative planters and concrete benches displaying work by local artists.
“A coordinated and attractive streetscape that promotes pedestrian activity is one of the most important components of any successful downtown,” said Joel Montgomery, director of administration/city manager.
Montgomery said the value of an attractive and functional downtown is imperative to the city’s brand on many levels.
“For example, when Daisy was considering locating in Wooster, the CEO and his wife came and spent a weekend downtown to get a feel for what kind of community we were,” Montgomery said.
The project grew out of the city’s comprehensive plan nearly 10 years ago, a plan that was developed in conjunction with significant outreach to the public in the form of several telephone, online and mail surveys; focus groups; and other meetings with downtown stakeholders.
Montgomery said the plan was a perfect example of the public, council and other stakeholders working together. “We have nearly checked off 90% of what people indicated they wanted in that plan,” he said.
A major emphasis of the plan was community members wanted more greenspace and outdoor recreation options. In addition to the renovations on the square, Montgomery cited the near completion of the town’s 10-mile bike loop as another of the accomplishments from the plan.
Originally done in the 1990s, the existing streetscape has served the city well but is at the end of its life.
It had come to the point where the old streetscape was showing its age with bulging and breaking brick-style pavers, unstable brick and concrete on sand and gravel, and deteriorating curbs. In addition, there were places where ADA compliance was an issue, such as with the old gazebo.
Montgomery said the southwest quadrant will be similar to the southeast quadrant finished last fall. “The southwest quadrant was not really inviting,” he said. “We are getting rid of stairs, steps and barriers.”
Durable turf will help to provide the greenspace, along with the addition of fresh trees. The area will feature concrete benches with artwork by contest winners displayed on tiles within the benches, like on the southeast quadrant. The artwork is done in cooperation with the Wayne Center for the Arts and Artfind Tile and is an extension of the proposed downtown arts district, another area of interest noted in the comprehensive plan.
Kobilarcsik said the Civil War statue and cannon will remain on the quadrant.
“We’re so excited; this is really a great facelift for our downtown,” said Shannon Waller, executive director of Main Street Wooster Inc. “It will keep it a welcoming, useful and vibrant downtown. People will feel very comfortable coming downtown to eat, shop or participate in public events.”
The project design was done by OHM Advisors of Columbus, who configured the original plan in 2013. Shrock Premier Construction is doing the construction work.