Organization launches new campaign

Downtown Painesville Organization unveils ‘Everyone is welcomed’

The Downtown Painesville Organization has a new home in the city.

The organization, which was formerly located in Victoria’s Place, moved to the historic Gage House at 47 S. State St. early April.

“Being in Victoria’s Place was great, but now I’m in the heart of our district,” said Executive Director David Polakowski. “I love my new office. To be a historical-based organization based in a historical building, waiting on that histor- ical designation, is great. Having Fairport Rentals purchase this property has been a huge asset.”

Since its opening, there has been increased foot traffic in downtown Painesville, he said.

Shannon Crusse Barnhill, who recently purchased the property, is pleased with the progress made since it opened a few months ago.

In addition to acquiring new tenants including Polakowski, the main level of the Gage House has been used for numerous events from private parties to the most recent DPO’s Wine and Chocolate Walk.

That event was moved in- doors to the Gage House because of inclement weather, but Polakowski said the turnout was great.

“It would not have been a success without the partnership with Fairport Rentals, my volunteers and my committee,” he said. “Having this space and having the support of the community really has allowed us to function well.”

The tenants have access to the main floor when it is not in use, Barnhill said.

The DPO now hosts its committee meetings at its new location.

She said there are still two available office spaces.

For more i nformation about the Gage House office leasing and event space rentals, visit Fairport Rentals Facebook page at facebook.com/fairportrentals.

Another exciting happening for the DPO is acquiring the famous Russell Freeman paintings that illustrates the history of Lake County, specifically Painesville.

More than 30 paintings that were originally in the former Dollar Bank Building currently fill the walls of the Gage House. The artwork was previously stored at Morley Library.

The late Freeman was formerly a Painesville resident, artist and teacher. He had 144 paintings depicting the buildings of the 1880 period of Lake County, many of which are on display at the Gage House.

“Another thing that we will be working together on, which is part of what we do, is beautification,” Polakowski said. “So, we are going to look at how we can create some different gardens.”

The DPO recently received $25,000 from the Made on Main Street grant program to add gardens and picnic tables around the Gage House.

Besides a new location, the organization has rolled out a new campaign with a revised mission statement.

“Everyone is welcomed” is the new campaign.

“That says it all,” he said. “We’re reaching out to all the different sectors. We’re all working together to encourage people to visit.”

The organization’s new mission — to build a strong future in a diverse community where everyone is welcome — aligns well with the campaign.

“So much is happening now in this community,” he said. “The biggest change in Painesville right now is that people are working together. More and more we are seeing people coming together.”