Huntington Bank donated $30,000 to the East Palestine Community Improvement Corporation (EPCIC) to support the development of a public plaza at 74 North Market Street, the site of the former PNC bank drive through.
“We are extremely appreciative of Huntington Bank’s generous donation to the Community Improvement Corporation,” said EPCIC President Chris Page. “We have a vision for developing the plaza, and Huntington’s support will help us execute on some key first steps.”
In December of 2024, the EPCIC used proceeds from the Brighten Our Future campaign to acquire the lot. The idea for the plaza originated from a streetscape concept to improve the attractiveness of downtown East Palestine. The Safe Streets for All planning grant recently awarded to the village will further develop the streetscape plan. The EPCIC envisions the Plaza as a central gathering place for everyday use as well as for special events, featuring benches, green space, landscaping and a small gazebo or pavilion. A site survey has been ordered and architects have been engaged by the EPCIC to design a renovation of the existing 500 square feet building and an addition of up to 1,200 square feet. Once completed, the building will be leased to a local business, which will complement the Plaza and be an additional draw to the downtown.
“Huntington is focused on strengthening the communities we serve, and this project is key to further investments in downtown East Palestine,” said Sam Huston, market president for Huntington Bank. “We’re proud to work with critical partners who have this community’s future in mind.”
“This ambitious project will have a big impact on the downtown,” said Page. “We feel like our non-profit group of volunteers, working closely with the village, can spark other businesses and property owners to invest. We have tenant interest on the property. Now we just need to continue to seek and leverage funds to make the improvements so that the vision becomes a reality.”
The EPCIC is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization created by the Village of East Palestine to lead economic recovery efforts. Please consider donating to the EPCIC through the Make a Donation link on the website epohio.org.