Port Clinton's downtown revamp brings new business

PORT CLINTON — Business is booming across Port Clinton's downtown Mayor Mike Snider said there are 20 new businesses in the area that have recently opened or are set to debut in the next year. "There are 15 buildings that have been vacant in our downtown district that have either sold or are under renovation," Snider said. The mayor credits a program started last summer that was continued this year, Meals on Madison. Snider had the idea during the pandemic to close down a portion of Madison Street in downtown Port Clinton and set up tables to encourage more foot traffic there. Meals on Madison, often referred to as "MOM," was more successful than he ever anticipated. Week after week, the event continued to grow, with organizers eventually bringing down corn hole boards and Adirondack chairs where people could entertain themselves or relax in between supporting small businesses. "The foot traffic it created and the amount of food it sold, it was just amazing," Snider said. "It's just continued to evolve into something amazing. It's what we've been missing in Port Clinton for a long time." The city also received a professional stage, with lighting and a sound system, at no cost coming from a part-time Port Clinton resident who works for Live Nation. It's ideal for live entertainment, Snider said. Due to the attention downtown has gained, more businesses have chosen to settle in Port Clinton. "Downtown Port Clinton today is very different than it was a year ago," Snider said. "It's going to be even better a year from now." A good problem to have There's a lot to be thankful for in Port Clinton, said Nicole Kochensparger, president of the Port Clinton Area Chamber of Commerce. She's also Main Street Port Clinton's program manager. "We've been so focused on filling the vacant buildings downtown, which we've accomplished. Now we need to start focusing on outside things," Kochensparger said. "We have so much to offer." She said the Meals on Madison has been an economic development tool the city never saw coming. Despite the problems the pandemic created, Port Clinton found a silver lining. "I'm struggling to find open spaces for people that want to bring a business down here, which is a good problem to have," Kochensparger said. "The buildings that were vacant are now in the process of renovation or have been bought and have a business in them now." Multiple buildings that have been purchased downtown will have apartment or condo units above storefronts or restaurants. The Hershberger building on Madison Street was purchased last year and is now home to three businesses. Also on Madison, the Oddfellows building is under renovation for condo units along with a bar and restaurant. Another Madison Street storefront, which has been empty for over five years, was recently purchased and will house a bakery. A new outdoor marketplace is also going in where the old traveler's building was. "You always used to hear that there's nothing to do in Port Clinton, and now there's an overabundance of things to do," Kochensparger said. "We're finally turning around. We were the so-called parking lot for Put-in-Bay for a long time. Now we're not."