Columbiana outlines plans for new city hall complex
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COLUMBIANA -- A year after purchasing new property for the new City Hall complex on East Railroad Street the city's two council committees have unveiled their plans for the complex and surrounding area.
The city released a statement over the weekend outlining the plans that city officials say will add vibrancy to the Historic Downtown.
These plans were the result of meetings of the City Hall Overhaul Committee, which has been working to design the new City Hall and police department, and the Economic Development of Dealership Property Committee, which has been working to create a plan to bring new energy to South Main Street.
According to the statement, the vision was developed in collaboration with Environmental Planning and Design of Pittsburgh, Pa., and city administration. "There is much work to be done, but this vision will lay the foundation for Main Street's continued success for generations to come," the statement said.
The vision unveiled by the committees consists of a mix-use of municipal and private development that the city said will create a "cohesive, vibrant extension of Main Street that will complement the existing vibrant parts of South Main Street."
According to the plans, the new City Hall, administrative offices and police department will be housed in the former #1 Cochran Chevrolet Cadillac Dealership main building located on East Railroad Street.
The city purchased the 30,400-square-foot dealership and 32 adjacent parcels in 2025 for $2.3 million with money generated from the sale of several bonds.
City Manager Lance Willard said the city sold bonds to fund the entire purchase and intends to sell off any parcels they will not need.
"We want to ensure that our vision for these parcels are carried out and it is something that will complement our already vibrant Main Street. We will most likely use future capital improvement funds and general funds to pay down the bonds," he explained.
The committees' plans show that the city intends to use the adjacent parcels and accessory buildings for the enhancement of public offerings along South Main Street, including a retail/restaurant as well as apartments in a building located east of the former dealership, now known as the new City Hall, a retail/restaurant and apartments located in a building located north of the City Hall, and town houses and retail offices in the buildings directly across from the new City Hall building.
"This exciting new mixed-use district will offer space for future residents and businesses to call home. This process will require zoning adjustments to ensure that vibrancy is at the heart of every development decision involving the dealership parcels. Additionally, an overlay district will be implemented to ensure that new and existing development reflects the small-town characteristics of historic Main Street, preserving its distinctive charm," the city said in the statement.
The plans also allow for both a short-term and a long-term vision, including a public park and an eventual community center across from the new City Hall facility.
"The City of Columbiana is excited to have this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to expand Main Street from 'circle to tracks,' and we look forward to working with the community to bring this vision to life," the statement said.