The City of Sharon has announced on Wednesday that it has been awarded nearly $500,000 in ARP funds for revitalization and development projects.

These projects include a second location of Thai restaurant, Elephant No. 8 out of Slippery Rock, a Montessori academy to be located in the former Perkins Estate, a new day spa, expansion of adult programming at HopeCAT and facade improvements for both Buhl Mansion and Sharon City Plaza.

"With this round of ARPA funds, we are really focused on choices that will attract foot traffic to our downtown and help build up our current businesses along with attracting new ones," said City Manager, Bob Fiscus.

The city was awarded a total of $472,500. Further details on each project and how much money will be going into them can be found below.

Hope Center for Arts & Technology (115, Anson Way, Sharon) will receive $200,000 for business expansion. The funds will be used to expand their adult programming, as well as first responder training with potential to grow a police academy, plus an adult training program in manufacturing.

Expansion needs include space renovation, classroom equipment and the hiring of additional staff.

$95,000 will be spent on a new location for Thai Restaurant, Elephant No. 8, which will be located at 52, N. Sharpsville Avenue. This is planned to be a bigger location than the original located in Slippery Rock.

Owner, Narinta Gold says she plans for the new location to be "a mini getaway for visitors with bright colors, unique decorations and delicious authentic Thai food with no MSG."

Gold adds that the second location will offer sit-down service for their traditional Thai food, as well as gluten-free, vegetarian and halal options, as well as a wide variety of bubble teas.

$85,000 will be spent on another new business, the Shenango Valley Montessori Academy, which will be located on West State Street.

Funds will go toward the improvement of the historic Perkins Mansion including facade, HVAC, electronic security and privacy fencing.

The Montessori method of schooling was developed by Maria Montessori in the early 20th Centruy and emphasizes independence, the development of natural activities and interests in students, mixed-age classrooms and hands-on learning.

The Buhl Mansion (32 E. State St.) will receive $50,000 for facade improvements including exterior repairs to the mansion, originally built in 1896. 

$22,500 will be spent on the construction of Unwind Spa, a new day spa set to be located at 150 E. State Street. The spa will include a salt room and infrared saunas.

Benic Investment Group President and owner of Beauty Bar on Main in Sharpsville, Danielle Benic says this project will help the community keep their mental and physical health in check and act as a more productive part of the community. 

Finally, D&M Realty Group (514, N. Sharpsville Ave) will receive $20,000 for facade improvements including exterior painting of the Sharon City Plaza to improve the outside of the location.

"The center attracts the entire town of Sharon for shopping, especially with Save-A-Lot, Rite Aid, Family Dollar and other national tenants," said owner, Daniel Frija. 

Frija adds that sprucing up the plaza will help fill the former Reyers shoe store space, which was approximately a third of the plaza at 38,000 square feet.

"With this round, we are looking to make a direct impact on attracting people to the downtown, which will impact the city and its neighborhoods by that increased traffic. These projects will continue to grow our business community and continue to support citywide revitalization," Fiscus said.