Heritage Ohio is proud to announce the 2022 certification of Wadsworth as a nationally accredited Main Street Community. Wadsworth became a member of the Main Street program in 2016, and since continues to revitalize the historic downtown district.
After a half-day evaluation process, the board of Downtown Wadsworth, Inc. d/b/a Main Street Wadsworth exhibited evidence of a robust program working toward measurable outcomes in downtown revitalization. Main Street Wadsworth is being recognized as proficient in the six criteria as set by the National Main Street Center. This prestigious designation is a testament to the hard work and commitment of the Main Street Wadsworth Board of Directors, staff, and volunteers.
“Heritage Ohio is proud to partner with Main Street Wadsworth and celebrates their success in historic preservation and community revitalization. Their accreditation is an achievement for which they have worked very hard, by engaging their partners, raising funds, implementing projects, and making vital improvements in their community. Their achievement will help ensure that their historic downtown is a place that is valuable and desirable for both residents and guests,’ stated Matt Wiederhold, Heritage Ohio Executive Director. “Main Street Wadsworth prides itself on being composed of passionate, hard-working, playful, and eager-to-learn community members. These members work to ensure their downtown is a welcoming place for all through economic development, research, and connecting with the community.
Heritage Ohio continues to see sophistication in this local program. The board’s efforts toward integration with the community as a whole is apparent.”
Wadsworth is a community of 24,000 residents in Northeast Ohio located 20 minutes from Akron and 40 minutes from Cleveland. Since becoming a Main Street Community in 2016, downtown Wadsworth has seen 40 new small businesses open (including 11 in 2022), over 200 new jobs created, $3 million dollars in public/private investment, $500,000 in grants, 83 historic building improvements, 160 downtown events including First Fridays, 19,000 volunteer hours donated by the community, a 100% storefront occupancy rate in December 2022, Ohio Magazine’s Best Hometown Award 2021-2022, Heritage Ohio’s 2022 statewide award for Wadsworth First Friday, a downtown farmers market now in its 8th season, 11 public art murals, a Verdin clock, and a nomination to place downtown Wadsworth on the National Register of Historic Places.
