XDRC News

• Mural Ribbon Cutting at July First Friday Event
  
• Toward Independence, Inc. Begins Major Façade Renovation Downtown
  

Mural Ribbon Cutting at July First Friday Event

The City of Xenia and the Xenia Area Chamber of Commerce invite you to a celebratory ribbon-cutting at the second downtown mural recently completed on the Fastenal building at 130 S. Detroit Street downtown on July 6 at 6 p.m.  Xenia Mayor Marsha Bayless will officiate and other representatives from City Council, the Xenia Area Chamber of Commerce, owners of the building, Powers Management Associates, Inc, the Xenia Downtown Revitalization Committee (XDRC), and members of the original Xenia Mural Society (now a part of the design committee of XDRC), will be in attendance.  Prize-winning artist Rob Richards of Xenia Community Schools, whose trails-themed design work is featured on the mural, and professional muralist Keith Hasenbalg will be in attendance to showcase this second mural painted downtown as part of the 2009 Tier Two Downtown Building and Streetscape program.  Mr. Hasenbalg was the same artist selected to design and paint the mural located at Xenia’s Community Theater (X*ACT) at 45 E. Second Street last summer as part of the downtown grant activities. 

Xenia Mayor Marsha Bayless said she is pleased with the improvements occurring through the Downtown Tier Two Comprehensive Revitalization Program and through the City’s Community Development Block Grant efforts.  “I applaud the private investments of time and money from the downtown businesses and building owners, and especially the hard-working volunteers on the Xenia Downtown Revitalization Committee and their volunteer Chairperson John Finlay.  XDRC has worked tirelessly to bring many diverse people to the table in support of downtown’s revitalization.”

Elizabeth Svendson, the owner of Walkabout Books and XDRC Vice-Chair, said, “With the completion of the bicycle enhancement project slated to begin this fall along the Little Miami Scenic Bicycle Trail between Xenia Station and W. Third Street, and the work of the newly formed Friends of Xenia Station (FOXS), this mural will provide a welcome addition to Xenia’s bicycle-oriented community.  We hope more cyclists will be involved in downtown and visit downtown not just on First Fridays but all year around.”  

In addition to the 6:00 Ribbon Cutting at 130 S. Detroit, the July First Friday event will feature music at Courthouse Square, food vendors, free foot massages at Xenia Shoe and Leather, Silent Auction at the Flower Stop, a historic walking tour leaving the Courthouse at 6:30, dozens of vendor/craft booths, and much, much more.  Bring your family for some food, fun, and friendships.  Parking for the ribbon cutting will be available in public parking lots number 8 and number 2 along East and West Second Street respectively, as well as at Xenia Station, Towne Square, and along the streets wherever vendors are not set up for First Fridays.   An information booth manned by XDRC volunteers will be open at the northwest corner of W. Main and S. Detroit. 

For more information about the ribbon cutting, contact the Xenia Area Chamber of Commerce at 372-3591.  For more information about the downtown and ongoing efforts of the Xenia Downtown Revitalization Committee, visit www.xeniadrc.org or contact the City of Xenia Development Department at (937) 372-6389.

To get the downtown you want, engage the downtown you have!


Toward Independence, Inc. Begins Major Façade Renovation Downtown

The City of Xenia and its non-profit partner Toward Independence, Inc. (TII) is pleased to announce the commencement of a major building façade loan renovation at the TII complex located at 81 and 87 E. Main Street downtown. 

Jim Percival, City Manager for the City of Xenia, indicates that the City has been “looking forward to this renovation for some time.  These changes will make the southeast corner of E. Main and Whiteman a showpiece for downtown and will make a great statement to visitors coming into downtown Xenia from the east.” 

Bill Faciane, Construction Manager for Hardlines Design, Inc. (the historic architecture firm selected to complete design on the buildings and to oversee the construction process), states that “J & P Caulking will commence work on July 7th (Saturday) in which they will be removing the cementous panels from 87 E. Main Street.  They will continue to work on 81 E. Main Street to clean the brick masonry located behind the panels and construct the masonry parapet.  Coon Restoration & Sealant, Inc will be following J & P Caulking on July 16th to replace the roof.  Kastra, LLC will be painting, and Y.M. Sun Construction will do the repair and restoration work on the exterior metal fire escape.  We still await the final bids on the storefront and window work on the first floor of the buildings.”

This project and many other projects are slated to undergo façade renovations this summer through the Xenia Downtown Façade Loan Program (XDFLP).  The City asks that everyone be patient with the increased foot traffic, scaffolding, noise, and dust.  Sidewalks may be somewhat obstructed and visitors will need to watch for and maneuver around increased traffic cones and barriers throughout the summer.

Toward Independence, Inc. (TII) is a nonprofit agency that provides a full range of services and support programs for individuals with developmental disabilities.  Founded in 1975 in Xenia, Ohio, the agency serves over 160 individuals in Greene, Hamilton, and Montgomery Counties with over 260 employees and a dedicated volunteer Board of Directors.  Toward Independence, Inc. was host of the first charrette/planning sessions conducted on the downtown strategic plan adopted by the City in 2008 and has hosted many community events, holiday celebrations, and festivals. 

The total anticipated project cost for the Toward Independence, Inc. project is approximately $450,000 with the City of Xenia providing funding from its Xenia Downtown Façade Loan Program, $200,000 from a special CDBG Discretionary Grant program through the State of Ohio, and Toward Independence, Inc. funding the remaining through owner match.
 
If you have questions or concerns, please contact Mary Crockett, Community Development and Downtown Coordinator at (937) 376-7286 or at mcrockett@ci.xenia.oh.us.