FOLLOW THE PROGRESS

BUILDING A BRIGHTER TOMORROW

The Shelby Foundation continues to take bold steps to make Shelby shine even brighter! After listening to donors, business owners, and local citizens, the Board of Directors developed a strategic plan that concentrates on building an attractive, strong, and secure community.

 Areas of strategic focus include growth and sustainability, city revitalization, quality of life, and economic development. With our recent investment in our downtown buildings, every aspect of the strategic plan is touched upon.

RENOVATION PROGRESS MEDIA LIBRARY

June 2024

Acquired Buildings and Conditions
View Media Here

July 2024

Renovations Gallery
View Media Here

August 2024

Building a Brighter Tomorrow
View Media Here

September 2024

Preliminary Rendering Concepts
View Media Here

Learn more about the Foundation’s investment with some frequently asked questions.

With unanimous support, the Board purchased the former Dick’s Furniture Building (62 & 64 West Main Street), the Sutter’s Home Furnishings Building (70 & 72 West Main Street), and the white block building and parcel located directly behind at 65 Wall Street.

The Shelby Foundation has long supported our local nonprofits and will continue to do this, but the Foundation’s impact is for every person who has walked up and down Main Street, who has a business here, who has come here for dinner and walked in our parks, and, importantly, everyone who hasn’t, yet, but will. Everyone should feel the positive effects of the Foundation.\

 Over the years, the Board of Directors has had many conversations about expanding our impact by investing downtown, and when this opportunity presented itself, the timing was right. With so many wonderful things happening in our community, it was a now-or-never decision, and the Board asked, “If not us, then who?”

 

While community foundations are traditionally known for grantmaking to nonprofit organizations, many, especially rural-based foundations, are investing in building stock. Shelby is not unlike other communities where historical buildings have fallen into disrepair, and the cost to revitalize is often not affordable. The Shelby Foundation understands this labor of love is catalytic and necessary to improve economic growth for the City. Businesses, current and future residents, and visitors want to be part of a thriving society.

 The Shelby Foundation has, is, and will continue to invest in projects that benefit the entire community. There is a lot of momentum occurring in Shelby, and this is another area the Foundation will make a difference.

In 2017, an economic development plan was created for the City. Shelby’s historic downtown was called out in the plan as an opportunity to attract businesses and visitors into the community with the goal of improving economic growth. Communities with thriving downtowns have similar components and suggested in the plan were retail shops, entrepreneur shared space, restaurants, and professional services. The Board will use the plan and work through the City’s economic development manager to recruit businesses that will be an asset and build a vibrant community.

Shelby residents are the heart of The Shelby Foundation, so, when decisions are made, it is always with the best interests of the community in mind. The Board of Directors interviewed numerous architect firms and made the decision to contract with Mansfield-based firm, Mauer Architectural Design Studio / MAD Studio. This firm will help steer the Foundation to future partners who have knowledge and skill with historical preservation. Local contractors will have first consideration.

Yes. The Shelby Foundation prides itself on transparency and will share progress, updates, and news through our website and social media channels. The Board understands the public is excited about this investment and will share information on a regular basis.