Alley Beautification
As part of Ottawa’s strategic plan, Go Ottawa was charged with activating our Main Street and filling in gaps in our public realm. One such strategy for accomplishing this is through placemaking initiatives along our Main Street. Placemaking is the process of creating spaces that promote social interaction, cultural expression, and community engagement. By investing in placemaking initiatives, we not only improve the aesthetics of our village but also foster a sense of belonging and community pride.
The alley between Always Blessed (232 Main St) and RMS of Ohio (224 Main St) holds immense potential as an underutilized space that can be transformed into a vibrant and welcoming place for our residents. With its location directly across from the Courthouse and along a well traversed street, its visibility makes it a potential great asset for the community. Go Ottawa has been approached by multiple residents and businesses that have also seen this potential. We have engaged with the adjacent businesses and building owners and have received not only their support but their participation in the design process.
Now, we are looking for more support. Our first step was to draw attention to the alley, which hopefully we have done if you are reading this now. Our next step is to start the true transformation. We envision this alley as a place where you can sip on your morning coffee or take your lunch outside. A quiet escape in the middle of our downtown. Our vision has a few tables and chairs, overhead lights, and an inviting atmosphere throughout. We see opportunity to host small events to highlight community artists and projects. We envision this space being dynamic and changing over time to continue to draw your eye to what was just a gap and now will be a celebrated space in our public realm.
Below are a few of our inspiration images. Many you may recognize from nearby towns.
If this is a vision you can also see – we are looking for donations to make this dream a reality. Please contact Jacqueline Langhals at 419-969-0882 or hello@go-ottawa.com if you would like to contribute to these efforts.
Thank you to all that have helped with this initial phase, getting the alley ready for the season! Ruthie Hemrick, Greg Verhoff, Schulte’s Logging, Always Blessed, RMS of Ohio, Bubble Arts Club, Cultural Committee, Hatchet Hole, Putnam County Thrift Store, Ottawa Town & County Flowers, and Village of Ottawa - to name a few!
Check out this news article on the project from WLIO!
Go Ottawa looking to transform a downtown alley into a social space
See below for pictures we have been capturing along the way!
