Transformation
In 2000, the Canton Regional Chamber of Commerce created a partnership between the private and public sectors in downtown Canton, called the Canton Development Partnership (“CDP”).
The CDP is the downtown division of the Canton Regional Chamber of Commerce. Supporting the efforts of the CDP are three 501(c)(3) not for profit organizations that concentrate on center city revitalization: Downtown Canton Land Bank, Canton Tomorrow and Downtown Canton Special Improvement District.
The overall mission of the partnership and the three constituent organizations is to make the central business district a desirable place to be for developers, business owners, workers, and citizens. A Master Plan for the downtown was completed in 2003.
Over the past ten years, downtown Canton has undergone a miraculous revitalization. Blight has been eliminated and replaced with a clean, safe and aesthetically pleasing center city. Public infrastructure and city financial support have transformed the look of streets and sidewalks.
The improved environment has attracted developers and property owners that invested in new and renovated buildings. Since 2000, $118,000,000 of private and public investment has taken place. Over 1,200,000 square feet of new or renovated space has been created.
In recent years, Canton has created an Arts District which has helped to raise the energy level and uniqueness of our downtown. Canton now has 24 art studios, four galleries and 40 pieces of public art.
The Canton Development Partnership can provide information on downtown opportunities by phone at 330-458-2090 or by e-mail.
Downtown Master Plan
In the fall of 2012, the Downtown Canton Special Improvement District (SID) engaged czbLLC Consulting to provide an update to our 2003 Downtown Development Plan. During the next six months, our consultant reviewed our 2003 plan, conducted public and private sector focus group sessions, and prepared a plan for the future. The plan presents a look back at our city, as well as a view of its future potential. The challenges and opportunities we face are not unlike other urban centers in our country.
The new downtown plan explains our current downtown community condition and provides recommendations that will take our center city to the next level of energy and activity. We look forward to utilizing our present private and public partnership to carry out the action recommendations of the plan and to once again make downtown Canton a very special place.
VIEW DOWNTOWN DEVELOPMENT PLAN
For more information regarding our Master Plan, contact the Canton Development Partnership by email or phone at 330-458-2090.