Barberton Community Foundation Opens Applications for $125,000 Downtown Building Rehabilitation Grant
2025 Awarded Seven Projects Totaling Over $350,000 in 2025
Barberton Community Foundation, in collaboration with the City of Barberton, Barberton Community Development Corporation, and Main Street Barberton, announces that applications for the 2026 Downtown Building Rehabilitation Program will open December 15, 2025. One grant of up to $125,000 will be awarded to an existing or new building owner who matches the funding dollar-for-dollar.
This announcement follows a highly successful 2025 grant cycle, which awarded seven projects totaling over $350,000 in downtown revitalization funding. Among the 2025 recipients, a new restaurant – Clem’s Viral Bites – stands out as an exciting addition to the downtown landscape with the help of the program’s funding. Jeremy Clemetson, owner of East of Chicago Pizza and Anna Bean Coffee Co., received funding to renovate 477 W. Tuscarawas Ave. This innovative restaurant concept will feature a unique “secret” TikTok menu, core offerings, and rotating guest chefs, representing over half a million dollars in total investment.
Other funded projects include building rehabilitations on Tuscarawas Avenue, and Second Street enabling new retail concepts, dining experiences, and entertainment venues that are transforming underutilized downtown properties into thriving businesses. Several of these projects are already open or in active construction phases.
“The momentum we’re seeing in downtown Barberton is exciting,” said Josh Gordon, Executive Director of Barberton Community Foundation. “These grant recipients are making significant investments in our community, and we’re excited to continue supporting building owners who want to be part of Barberton’s revitalization.”
“We are thankful for our partners, with Main Street Barberton helping to qualify candidates for the program and Barberton Community Development Corporation for administrating the grant program.”
2026 Downtown Building Rehabilitation Program Details
- Application Opens: December 15, 2025
- Application Deadline: February 1, 2026
- Completion Deadline: December 31, 2026
- Award Amount: Up to $125,000 (with matching funds required)
- Eligible Applicants: Existing or new building owners only
- Eligible Uses: Structural repairs, façade restoration, energy efficiency upgrades, safety enhancements, and more
Priority will be given to projects that restore historically significant properties, align with Barberton’s Master Plan, and leverage additional funding sources such as state or federal tax credits.
How to Apply
Interested applicants must schedule a pre-application meeting with Main Street Barberton to discuss eligibility and project scope. For more details, contact Melanie Black Amato at 330-510-1335 or melanie@mainstreetbarberton.com.
Applications will be available on Barberton Community Foundation’s website beginning December 15. Visit www.barbertoncf.org or follow us on social media.
