Unique. Vibrant. Historic. Those words reflect the vision for Uptown – the area that stretches along Main Street from Alex Bell Road to south of Franklin Street and encompasses the Architectural Preservation District at State Route 48 and Franklin Street. This area is the heart of Centerville, home to nearly 100 businesses and our community’s rich history. 

See a map of public parking in Uptown!

Phase 1 – Completed in 2023

• Constructed 150 public parking spaces
• Improved vehicular and pedestrian connectivity
• Created new opportunities for private capital investment
• Improved pedestrian safety
• Supported private investment in existing Uptown businesses
• Installed stormwater management solutions

Early Successes

• New restaurant Manna; combined two buildings
• Private club and upscale cigar shop Beckel's Humidor
• Agave & Rye; revitalized vacant restaurant
• Whit's Frozen Custard; adapted former gas station
• Meridien; updated former restaurant
• The Brunch Pub; transformed original high school
• Centerpieces Mural Installations
• Centerville Community Improvement Corporation incentivized over $4.6 million in private investment

February 2024 News Release 
Uptown Upgrades Program Renewed for 2024 Improvement Projects

Uptown Upgrades, the Centerville Community Improvement Corporation (CCIC) incentive program created to incentivize façade and streetscape improvement, will award more funding in 2024.

“Uptown Upgrades allows us to offer direct assistance to building owners invested in this critical area of our City. Centerville is committed to creating vibrancy in this district,” Development Director Erik Collins said.

The Uptown Streetscapes Grant provides a 50% match up to $10,000 for projects that improve the streetscape of Uptown. This grant is awarded in the form of a forgivable loan. Eligible projects include, but are not limited to, façade replacement, hardscape improvements and building additions.

This is a competitive application that prioritizes larger and more transformative projects.

The 2024 application cycle will remain open until funding is exhausted.

CCIC funding has supported several important economic development projects including combining and enhancing two historic buildings to become the restaurant Manna, updating a space into wine and tapas spot Meridian and transforming the community’s first high school into The Brunch Pub.

Please contact the Centerville Development Department to request an application. For questions, please call Development Director Erik Collins at 937-433-7151 or email ecollins@centervilleohio.gov.

Learn more about the inspiration behind the logo created by an Uptown business owner.

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Click here to see the latest vision for Uptown and read a list of Frequently Asked Questions.

“Centerville’s commitment to revitalizing Uptown embodies our motto: progress and stability. We will preserve the historic heart of our community while investing in infrastructure, design and usability,” City Manager Wayne Davis said.

In alignment with its strategic plan, the City completed a comprehensive visioning process for Uptown in 2019 with a focus group of more than a dozen stakeholders representing businesses, residents, government partners and community groups.

“City Council approved the Uptown Action Plan in August 2019 as an amendment to the City’s Create the Vision comprehensive plan. Work has started already to transform this area into a more functional unique, upscale destination for shoppers and diners,” Mayor Brooks Compton said.

The Uptown Action Plan highlights six focus areas: improving walkability and reducing traffic congestion, improving parking, scheduling and organizing new events, focusing on business development, developing branding and increasing greenspace.