Civic Development Corporation of Ashtabula County Enhances Quality of Life Projects that Highlight Arts and Culture in our Community

Thanks to the substantial impact of the Civic Development Corporation of Ashtabula County (CDC) capital projects the Ashtabula and Conneaut Arts Centers are celebrating continued growth and enrichment of the local arts scene. These transformative initiatives have elevated the cultural landscape of Ashtabula and Conneaut by enhancing access to arts education, performances and community engagement.
For over 60 years, arts and culture have been at the heart of CDC’s consolidated county-wide capital -campaigns for quality-of-life projects and these two facilities help highlight the remarkable achievements made over the years. One of the CDC’s flagship projects, the Ashtabula Arts Center, has been a focal point for numerous capital improvements funded by prior CDC campaigns. These enhancements have transformed the Arts Center into a thriving cultural hub, serving as a testament to the organization’s commitment to the community. Previous campaigns have supported the construction of the music wing, the relocation of the Straw Hat Theater to its current location at Walnut Beach, facility expansion, increased parking capacity, drainage improvements, replacement of the dance floor, and various other theater enhancements.
As a recipient during the most recent campaign, Campaign 2020: Shared Vision – A Community Blueprint, the Ashtabula Arts Center witnessed a new wave of upgrades that have further elevated the theater’s offerings. These recent improvements include the installation of new stage drapes, theater seating upgrades to accommodate handicap accessibility, new carpeting, and state-of-the-art LED aisle lighting in the historic 13th Street Theater. These enhancements have helped revitalize the Arts Center by significantly improving the overall theater experience for both performers and audience members.
Derek Lebzleter and his family are among the many community members who have enjoyed the benefits of these theater enhancements. As a family full of long-time performers and avid audience members, they can attest to the positive impact of the recent improvements. “The latest renovations brought much more comfortable seating to the 13th Street Theater and new curtains that look fantastic. Beyond that, the new curtains and drapes bring improved fire safety, and the seats provide better accessibility – we tripled the amount of seating and widen aisles with lifting arms making it easier for people to move around in the space,” Lebzleter enthusiastically commented.
Artistic enrichment opportunities are also found at the Conneaut Arts Center, another historic venue benefited by CDC grant funding. During the 2015 Campaign, the facility received CDC funding for building improvements including a new air conditioner and boiler upgrade, as well as a ramp to address prior accessibility limitations.
The Conneaut Arts Center utilized Campaign 2020 funding to prioritize imperative – and costly – facility upgrades. The funding they received from CDC assisted with basement waterproofing and replacing the sidewalks that surround the building. This has enabled the arts center to utilize the basement for extra class space for their growing member base.
The funding CDC has given to the Conneaut Arts Center has been transformational said board secretary Cindy Prather.
“Thanks to CDC’s funding we were able to update the artist studio in the basement and remodel the annex to create an amazing teaching kitchen,” says Prather. “It’s really allowed us to expand our educational opportunities. I know personally I can’t wait to take a cooking class!”
CDC’s commitment to enhancing the quality of life in Ashtabula County remains unwavering, and its capital campaigns continue to bring the community’s shared vision to life. Being a proponent of the arts and culture scene, the CDC not only enriches the lives of local residents but also ensures that the Ashtabula and Conneaut Arts Centers remain a vibrant cultural destination for years to come. The organization is in the midst of preparation for its next capital fundraising effort, the 2025 campaign.
“My wife Jessica and I are supporters of both the CDC and the Ashtabula Arts Center because both organizations make meaningful differences in the lives of the people in our community,” Lebzleter added. “We can’t wait to see what projects they’ll be supporting in 2025.”