In January 2018, The Conneaut Foundation Board of Trustees decided to refocus its efforts toward economic and community development in the City of Conneaut. Since that time, The Conneaut Foundation has partnered closely with the City of Conneaut and the Conneaut Port Authority on a number of projects.
Built in 1911, this commercial building was most recently known as Harbor Beverage, a beverage and convenience store.
The Conneaut Foundation purchased the property and began a complete renovation, inside and out. We have partnered with local business owners, Shane and Heather Gelfer to convert the building into a high-end restaurant – Table 985 opening in spring 2024.
In 2019, we partnered with the Conneaut Port Authority to renovate a former car lot and then lease the building to a business which is synergistic with the natural resources of the location, offers value to citizens and tourists, and enhances the community.
Working with the Land Bank of Ashtabula County, we completed an updated property survey for the City of Conneaut. The Foundation not only provided funds for this project, but several Board members gave of their time to help with the collection of data. The updated information was used by The City of Conneaut for planning, neighborhood improvement and grant applications.
In 2018, the Conneaut Foundation approached The City of Conneaut and the Conneaut Port Authority proposing a partnership to bring much needed economic development expertise to our community. After a thorough search, the partners signed an agreement with InSITE who worked closely with local officials for three years assisting with projects for both the City and the Port Authority.