After getting new street lights, sidewalks, and decorations, there’s another big change in store for the downtown.
Mayor Greg DiDonato says the building at 221 Grant St. is about to undergo a major makeover thanks to JobsOhio and Ember Home Care owner Lois Grandison, who bought the property last February. (The agency is contributing 700-thousand through its Vibrant Communities grant program, and Grandison is covering the rest.)
“We worked through TeamNEO, which is part of JobsOhio, one of the agencies that represent Tuscarawas County. It’s about a $2-million project. They were awarded $700,000 to assist with this but it’s still a very significant investment by the individual.”
The more than 8,000-square-foot building features three ground level retail units beneath what will eventually become an employee training center for the rapidly-growing business.
“She’s in the healthcare industry, and that will give her space and room to make sure that her employees are constantly re-certified, kept up to date, and to do all the things they have to do to continue to run her business. She just virtually had no space available where she currently is at.”
DiDonato says the building is one of the biggest around and sits at what he considers the gateway to the downtown but hasn’t gotten the love it needs to reach its full potential.
“And they’ve already begun. The building has been getting gutted for the last few weeks in preparation to make the necessary repairs and the rewiring, the heating and air and plumbing and all the things you have to do before you get to the cosmetic part of it.”
Completion is projected for October of 2025.
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