When was the last time you were in downtown Barberton?
Specifically, when was the last time you just walked around?
Let me offer you another friendly challenge: Head downtown one evening this week, park, and walk
around for 30 minutes.
You may find something that surprises you. It could be a new storefront, an old building getting a second
(third, fourth, or fifth) chance, or just a neighbor you haven’t seen in a while.
A construction developer reached out to our team at the Foundation recently with a message that stuck
with me: “Downtown Barberton feels different now.”
He wasn’t just talking about the buildings—he was talking about the energy.
He’s right. There is a feeling of momentum.
Places like Kave Coffee Bar, Lake 8 Cinemas, Tusk, Ignite Brewing Company, Snowball Bookshop, Pregame
Tavern, Green Diamond Grille and Pub, and Magical Theatre Company are destination points for
Barberton residents and many out-of-town visitors who come to Barberton routinely to experience all
we have going on downtown. When these folks visit, they discover the new progress that’s being made,
thanks to collaborations and leadership at the City of Barberton, Main Street Barberton, Barberton
Community Development Corporation, and others.
Those who invested early helped anchor what’s now growing into an arts and entertainment district. The
success of the early, persistent investors has paved the way for others to see possibility, not vacancy.
They showed us what it looks like to place a bet on Barberton—and they are playing a winning hand.
At the Foundation, our grant programs and investments downtown are driven by more than aesthetics.
We fund with purpose. On purpose.
Our recent funding of grants through the Downtown Building Rehabilitation Program are just one
example.
Three new restaurants experiences—Clem’s Viral Bites, The Tea Lady, and La Mia Cucina—and a new
retail experience for golf enthusiasts who need a place to play indoors—The Caddy Corner—received
funding because they have great ideas, solid business plans, and are dedicated to helping bring vacant
buildings back to life. These aren’t just financial transactions.
These investments restore opportunity, energize street corners, and create spaces where neighbors
gather.
These efforts are an example of “systems thinking” in action.
We’re investing in the long-term conditions that allow people—and communities—to thrive. Because we
know that vibrant, walkable downtowns support everything from small business growth to civic pride to
mental health to economic mobility. In other words: it’s all connected.
Some people may wonder, “Why is part of the Foundation’s focus on downtown?”
Here’s why: because what people see when they drive through our city shapes the story they tell about
it. That story is our perception… our brand story.
A brand story is what people say about you when you’re not in the room.
We want that story to reflect pride, energy, and possibility.
That means our buildings need to be strong, safe, and accessible. That includes our City’s buildings, too.
We all have high standards from our public servants like our police, our safety forces, etc. – and they
deliver for us all! So, we must expect the same high standards of our infrastructure. A functional City
Hall or updated police station isn’t just a construction project—it’s a reflection of how we value those
who serve us.
As our current targeted investments in our downtown help to elevate the standard of quality and
excellence in our downtown, we are excited about the work ahead of us in other areas as well. We are in
the process of formally adopting a new strategic plan that will I am excited to share with you all – when
the time is right.
Until then, take a walk downtown. Better yet, do it once every few months and watch the change,
growth, and opportunity happen in real time!
Or, join Main Street Barberton as a volunteer at one of their events. Sign up to help at Mum Fest with
our Parks and Recreation Department. Spend an hour downtown. Say hello to someone you don’t know.
Show up.
Because our downtown is changing. And you can be part of how we tell that story.
See you soon.
In Community,
Josh Gordon
Executive Director
Barberton Community Foundation
