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Streetscape Underway:
Pardon Our Dust
Please pardon our dust as Vermilion works to make our downtown historic district an even more exciting destination to drop anchor.
The City of Vermilion has adopted a comprehensive Downtown Vermilion Streetscape Plan that incorporates pedestrian friendly improvements, street furniture, directional signs, improved sidewalks, street lights, infrastructure improvements and enhanced landscaping. The Plan establishes the framework and vision for a vibrant and revitalized Harbour Town, Vermilion's downtown historic district.
While crews are busy working on the downtown improvement projects, businesses are open as usual with ample parking available throughout Vermilion's downtown historic district.
Construction has been carefully planned to minimize disruption to the business community and visitors. Businesses will remain open and downtown festivals and activities are scheduled as usual.
Streetscape will see the historic heart of Vermilion transformed in a carefully phased construction program. The City of Vermilion, in cooperation with Main Street Vermilion and the Vermilion Chamber of Commerce, is dedicated to enhancing the physical appearance of the commercial district by rehabilitating historic buildings, encouraging appropriate new construction, developing sensitive design management systems, and long-term planning. Inviting physical spaces and activities also include instilling good maintenance practices in the commercial district.
Sidewalks are the most important streetscape element in attaining a pedestrian-focused and enjoyable streetscape. The streetscape plan provides for creating a more comfortable pedestrian atmosphere with room for amenities such as benches, trees, planters, sidewalk signage and the potential for outdoor seating areas.
Downtown's Liberty and Main streets are being improved while modern infrastructure will ensure the ongoing success of our Harbour Town.
Landscape elements will be incorporated into nearly all aspects of the streetscape design including parkway trees, planting beds, and raised planters in strategic locations. Moveable planters and hanging baskets will be incorporated. Vermilion In Bloom is working closely with City management in the landscape design element of the streetscape project.
Main Street Vermilion is working towards completing the antique style street lighting project. Existing street lamps will be temporarily removed during construction phases.
Streetscape will provide a strong retail environment to support continued success of existing businesses and attraction of new businesses. Several new businesses, shops and galleries have recently joined Harbour Town's existing merchants.
Ritter Public Library is busy working on a building expansion project which will increase the size of the library by 65 percent. The annex building of the library will be torn down to make room for the exciting new addition. However, it will be open at least through the summer with many planned activities. The addition will add about 13,000 square feet with a new three-floor expansion on the east side of the existing 20,000-square-foot library. The new facility will add more public computers, meeting space and an expanded teen area in addition to more books, movies and services.
The Old Town Hall on Main will be restored including the grand Opera House theater housed on the second floor. An upscale restaurant is planned to occupy the first floor.
McGarvey's landing at the Vermilion River is also undergoing a transformation. Beautiful raised planters will adorn the new seawall. Exciting plans are also in the works to light the Vermilion River Bridge.
A new bed and breakfast is scheduled to open in Habour Town this spring, as well a surf shop with kayak rental.
Wi-fi HotSpots are being added to the downtown Vermilion area.
So please, pardon our dust this spring and summer. When the dust settles a whole new Vermilion will shine on the shores of Lake Erie.
Vermilion Ohio News and the Vermilion Photojournal are dedicated to keeping Vermilion visitors and residents updated on Harbour Town's streetscape project and business improvements. In addition, the City of Vermilion is available to answer your questions about this exciting endeavor of our small town on a Great Lake.
2/21/08
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