First arch in downtown Ashland unveiled, donated by residents Norma and Lloyd Wygant

ASHLAND – City police and officials gathered during the unveiling of Ashland's first downtown arch Thursday morning on East Main Street.

Blueprints of an arch circled Mayor Matt Miller's mind but it never came to fruition because of other projects coming down the city's pipeline — until Ashland residents and repeated generous donors Lloyd and Norma Wygant said they'd pay for the entire project.

First Norma Wygant had to be convinced.

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To convince Wygant, the trio took a trip last year to the Short North Art District in Columbus close to a year ago and saw similar arches to what Miller had envisioned. After grabbing a bite to eat, Norma Wygant gave an OK for the project and handed a $120,000 check over for the black-painted arch.

Simonson Construction, contractor for the arch, received it last week and began installation around 6:30 a.m. Thursday, Miller said.

The arch was placed at the intersection of East Main and Union streets.

The arch's light bulbs hung below were installed by BCU Electric.

A white "ASHLAND" signature was placed on top of the arch that'll beam with light during night hours, though the sign's color might change to black, Miller said.

Once the arch was complete, the Wygants hopped into the back of a bright blue Chevy Camaro while Miller drove them under it headed toward West Main Street.

History of donations by the Wygants

The Wygants have a history of donations to the Ashland community, including donating toward Ashland High School's Keith Wygant Memorial Field House, Brookside Golf's new pavilion or Ashland High School's stadium entrance project.

When asked why they've donated toward the community, Norma Wygant said, with a smile, "We've lived here and enjoyed it and think it's wonderful. We'd like to see improvements."

"And it is improving," Lloyd Wygant replied.

Before leaving, Miller hinted at another project the Wygants are working on that pertains "to the kids" though further details will just have to wait.

Reach Grant at 419-281-0581 ext. 259 or gritchey@gannett.com 

On Twitter: @ritchey_grant 

This article originally appeared on Ashland Times Gazette: First downtown Ashland arch unveiled, paid for by Wygant family