Midtown Market Revitalization to Transform Downtown Cambridge
ZANESVILLE, OH — A major investment promising a boost to small business growth and community revitalization is underway in downtown Cambridge.
A 104-year-old building on Wheeling Avenue is set to transform into a mixed-use marketplace, thanks to a $1.4 million redevelopment project led by 4Friends LLC and JobsOhio.
Mayor Tom Orr expressed his enthusiasm for the project, stating, “We had a couple of business partners that came together, who are also local people, with a dream to support their community and take on a new initiative. We, the city—along with others—have come together to help guide this process so that their dream can become a reality.”
The historic building, originally a car dealership dating back to 1920, will soon become the Midtown Market. The new marketplace will feature three floors, housing six to eight food vendors, a bar and restaurant, co-working spaces, and indoor recreation. The project is expected to generate 39 new jobs and inject new energy into the heart of Cambridge.
4Friends LLC was founded by four local friends: husband-and-wife duos Aaron and Kelsey Neff, and Justin and Lisa Brown. Their partnership began after a night out and evolved into a larger venture.
“We visited several different commercial buildings in the area, and then an opportunity came up for us to purchase this one,” co-owner Aaron Neff remarked. “It spans from Wheeling Avenue to Steubenville Avenue. Being able to have 80-plus parking spaces and easy access was a huge deal for us.”
Co-owner Justin Brown added, “We believe the downstairs will be the bread and butter, especially with the recreation we feel this town—and the youth in this town—need.”
The marketplace not only pushes for fun within the community, but education as well. There will be many collaborative efforts with the Midtown Market and local city school districts for interactive ai opportunities that promote early learning development for grades k-12.
Governor Mike DeWine praised the project, saying it preserves the city’s history while paving the way for economic growth.
Cambridge-Guernsey CIC Executive Director Bill Arnett shared similar sentiments, stating, “There will be direct jobs at the facility when it’s opened, but beyond that, I think it shows a lot of vitality in the downtown. Our hope is this will be a catalyst for other businesses and buildings to be renovated, creating even more employment opportunities.”
The city hopes this redevelopment will encourage further investment and growth in Cambridge’s historic district. Many anticipate it will lead to additional jobs and revitalization downtown. 4Friends LLC aims to complete the project by the end of summer.
