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DELPHOS — As expected for approximately the last two years, downtown Delphos is under a massive upheaval due to two large undertakings conducted simultaneously.
“The ODOT project is designed to beautify and improve the infrastructure of Main Street by replacing damaged sidewalks and curbs, installing a decorative brick ribbon behind the curb, create greenspace at intersections, install handicap ramps at the intersection and purchase new street benches,” City Safety Service Director Greg Berquist said.
He says truck traffic through town is a concern because work on the east side of Main Street narrows the state route for larger vehicles. Work on the street’s west side will soon follow.
“The Streetscape project is working nicely. The pavers aren’t in yet; they’re pouring concrete diligently,” Berquist said.
Planning stages began approximately two years ago and Berquist says some additional needs caused the plan to be amended as winter weather caused an additional sidewalk to need replaced and some additional curbs needed replaced. He said the state is willing to pay 80 cents of every dollar in extra expenditure.
“We’re proposing to offset some of the costs using some overage left over in the Downtown Revitalization project, so we’re trying to keep costs to a minimum and keep the city’s out-of-pocket expense down,” Berquist said.
The approximate cost of both projects is $800,000 and is equally divided.
Downtown Revitalization is designed to provide matching funds to business owners for property enhancement such as facade work, roofing, electrical work and more.
Downtown Manager Jay Smith is the “point-man” for those wishing to participate. He says several projects are underway.
“The facade projects will be the most noticeable, especially the Delphos Club and H and R Block,” he said.
Westrich Furniture and Appliances plans to rent its former gallery to the International Phoenix Group in conjunction with replacing the roofs of both its downtown structures.
The Canal Commission Museum will install a new awning and upstairs wiring. The organization will also make improvements to the former bank building at Main and Third streets in the form of window painting and reglazing, a new awning and window work.
Delphos Sporting Goods will repair and seal its roof, as well as do some facade repair.
A new roof will be installed to the Don Stephens photography studio.
Lion Clothing will get air conditioning upstairs and new front and rear doors.
Shenks will also get new air conditioning.
The Union Bank will clean its exterior and do some tuck pointing.
Brick repair work will be performed to the AFLAC building and Dr. Grone’s facility will get a new roof.
“The goal of the city is to make Delphos a more attractive community to do business in and grow. These projects, along with the new wastewater treatment plant, reservoir and water treatment plant, are the City of Delphos’ commitment to support and encourage the concept of a Tri-county economic development region,” Berquist added.

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