Port Authority seeking $2.9 million grant for Coshocton Collaborative

Leonard L. Hayhurst, Coshocton Tribune
·2 min read
The theater area with balcony inside of the Chacos Building, which was once the Pastime Theater. Developing the theater is part of future plans for the space, but the immediate goal is to create the Coshocton Collaborative to encourage entrepreneurs and those starting in the business world.
The theater area with balcony inside of the Chacos Building, which was once the Pastime Theater. Developing the theater is part of future plans for the space, but the immediate goal is to create the Coshocton Collaborative to encourage entrepreneurs and those starting in the business world.

COSHOCTON — The Coshocton Port Authority is continuing to seek grant funding for the in development Coshocton Collaborative.

The unique maker space, business incubator and co-working facility was announced in July and will be located in the Chacos Building at 538 Main St., best known as the home of the former Pastime Theater. Developing the theater area for performances is part of future plans.

Coshocton County Commissioners recently signed a letter of support for the port authority to seek grant funding from the Ohio Economic Development Administration for building renovations. A response to the application should come in the first quarter of 2022.

Sought is $2.9 million for the estimated $3.6 million project. Already received in grant funding is $375,000 from the Coshocton Foundation and $690,000 from Jobs Ohio.

The letter also mentions commissioners talking with the port authority about providing broadband accessibility at the facility to give the public with a safe and warm place to work and study. Commissioners recently contracted with Ohio TT for a $6 million broadband project that would provide internet access to about 20,000 county residents.

"The Coshocton County Commissioners understand the challenges for a community that was once abundant with manufacturing opportunities. We are supportive of creating a culture of entrepreneurship and business that will provide for diverse employment and opportunities and sustainability," the support letter read. "Together, our work has the ability to transform Coshocton Main Street and surrounding areas while providing support to local businesses and encouraging diverse growth and entrepreneurial support."

Tiffany Swigert, director of the Coshocton Port Authority, said they have already had discussions with various entities about use of the space once completed, including the three local school districts. This would include not only giving students a place to connect to WiFi and study and possibly form study groups, but also using resources to explore their own business and entrepreneurial ideas.

Swigert said students have been part of the design process. She recently went to Ridgewood Middle School and asked students what they would want in a work environment. Answers ranged from plants to charging stations.

"It's a very large and diverse space. Students would very much have a space there where they could work in a team setting, on homework, maybe get tutored, or just a quiet place to work on homework," Swigert said. "We look at this as a space for our future entrepreneurs. We want them to be comfortable in this environment."

llhayhur@coshoctontribune.com

@llhayhurst

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This article originally appeared on Coshocton Tribune: Port Authority seeking $2.9 million grant for Coshocton Collaborative