Block party set to celebrate grant

The Downtown Painesville Organization recently received $25,000 from the Made on Main Street grant program.

The Downtown Painesville Organization recently received $25,000 from the Made on Main Street grant program to beautify the outdoor space surrounding the Gage House at 47 South State St.

“Made on Main Street” is a partnership between OneMain Financial and Main Street America that provides community action grants for innovative community transformation projects. Painesville was one of only six cities across the country to receive this grant.

“The ‘Made on Main Street’ grant will transform and beautify a historic building which was saved from destruction by the community,” said DPO Executive Director David Polakowski. “The gardens that will be created will enhance the beauty of the building and will be available for everyone to enjoy.”

To celebrate the project, OneMain Financial announced that it will host a Made on Main Street block party July 22.

It will be a free, family-friendly event from 1 to 5 p.m. on Main Street between South St. Clair and South State streets. The community is invited to enjoy live music, complimentary food, games, crafts and artisan vendors. Guests will also have the opportunity to explore the Gage House through a guided tour and learn more about the upcoming transformation project, according to the news release.

Chief Marketing Officer Kim Wijkstrom said community outreach is important to OneMain Financial.

“OneMain Financial looks to help revitalize communities,” Wijkstrom said. “By helping local organizations through grants to revive, restore and beautify their local communities and the point of doing that of course tends to help have a positive effect on the health of the community in general. We really believe in being active in our community and helping the community thrive and that is also the mission for Main Street America.”

The Gage House has a storied past that OneMain Financial was impressed with. It was once set to be demolished after purchased by Rite Aid, but a group of residents and business owners rallied together to purchase and relocate the iconic property, the release stated.

“We were truly moved by the community coming together to save this historical landmark and thrilled to award this grant to an organization who shares our vision that individuals thrive when their communities thrive,” Wijkstrom said.

SUBMITTED OneMain Financial awards a $25,000 grant to the Downtown Painesville Organization to beautify the Gage House. OneMain Financial will also host a free community block party to celebrate the project.