I recently had the pleasure of hosting a tour with an engaged group from the Marion Public Library, as part of the A.L.L. (Adult Lifelong Learning) program, where I took them around and through some current and past projects. We talked through the progression of our dream and vision, which started in 2018, and has continued to evolve with each project that is completed and new business that is welcomed
into our downtown community!
I love giving tours, not only because I am passionate about our community and the work we are doing here, but also because I can hear the feedback, questions, and perceptions from the participants in real time. I value knowing what people want to know and what they would like to see.
One thing that the group was particularly fascinated on this tour was the downtown loft apartments and all
the people that live in our downtown. I am very proud that several of our past and current projects have included additional loft living spaces, creating places for people to live while enjoying the walkability, vibrance, and community of our downtown.
I shared with that group that I am excited about the Lofty Spaces & Unique Places Tour, on June 7th from 5-8pm, organized by Downtown Marion, Inc. Some of our loft apartments and Airbnbs will be featured on the tour, as well as some owned by others. This is a one-of-a-kind opportunity to see behind closed doors, that only comes about once every 2 years! I know I personally look forward to it, and it is one of the events that got me interested in the downtown many years ago!
Speaking of tours, did you catch this MarionMade! article that appeared in the Marion Star? In 2023, over $80 million came into our community via tourism! We love seeing some of these folks staying in our downtown Airbnbs through Main Street Hospitality, which allows them to get an authentically local experience with shopping, dining, and entertainment! The lodging tax from those Airbnb stays help fund our Convention & Visitors Bureau, which helps attract more tourism, and the virtuous cycle continues!
Furthermore, we believe that cultivating more and more local shops and restaurants will create even more tourism, as I know lots of people who will drive for hours just to try a restaurant or coffee shop they saw
on Tik Tok or Instagram! As I’ve been discussing in recent newsletters, it makes such a difference to share your positive reviews on social media, especially these two Facebook groups: Think Local First (Marion County) and Ohio Road Trips. If you shout out your favorite downtown restaurant or boutique along with a few quality pictures, I PROMISE you it will make a significant positive impact!
Looking for a budget-friendly event space that won’t skimp on amenities and style? In addition to being a coworking space, Connect Coworx is a dream of an event space! Bridal showers, baby showers, graduation parties, family events, we’ve got you covered! We have two packages available.
Package A is $100 an hour, 2-hour minimum and includes:
Private access to our outdoor patio, back lounge space, Connect Conference Room, Back Kitchenette, Cafe Dining Space, and Two Spacious Bathrooms.
Package B is $150 an hour, 2-hour minimum, and includes everything in Package A as well as: Access to the Front Kitchenette, Front Lounge Space, and Cafe Nooks and Seating.
Let us know your event type, headcount, and how we can help accommodate you this event season! Reach out with any questions or inquiries at 740-244-4367 and we will send you our event flyer and all the information you need to have a great celebration!
Pastor Steve Estep has been the Lead Pastor at Marion Naz, the largest church in the city of Marion, located adjacent to the downtown, for the last 8 years. Steve shares his perception of Marion when he arrived at that time, and the significant progress he has seen across the community with cooperation, collaboration, and restoration. He shares about Celebrate Recovery, a movement with which Marion Naz has went all in, that is having a significant impact on individuals in need of recovery and restoration. He also discusses ways that he believes churches can continue to be positively impactful and relevant to the communities where they serve, including creative ways to partner on resources and facilities. Pastor Steve
is energetic and clearly passionate about his faith in Jesus Christ and shares it openly as a beacon of hope throughout the conversation.
Check out the podcast here: Apple podcasts, Spotify, or watch on YouTube.
There are lots of opportunities to be a tourist in our hometown. Participating in a walking tour is a great way, as well as attending an event like Lofty Spaces & Unique Places. Another upcoming opportunity is the “Taste of Downtown Marion” coming up next weekend, May 3, another great event hosted by Downtown Marion, Inc, where you can eat and drink your way around the downtown. Grab a friend and get your tickets! Whenever I see people attending these downtown events, they absolutely rave about what a great time it is, and how sometimes they forget they are in Marion!
There’s a ton of good happening all around us, friends. Of course we are working hard in our lane, but I also see so much work being done by others as well, such as the faith and recovery communities as discussed with Pastor Steve Estep in this week’s podcast. I see cooperation with nonprofits, the city and county, committees, volunteer groups…the list goes on. We won Strongest Town for good reason, and
now it gives us a standard to which to hold ourselves!
I continue to be excited for what is ahead. I hope to have more good news to share in the coming weeks…be sure to keep tuning in on Friday mornings to see the developing news!
Better Together,
Luke Henry Col 3:23
