East Liverpool city leaders are looking to revitalize their downtown with new businesses and other new investments.

"A lot of the properties here have been sitting vacant for a long time. But if you look at what they can do with a new use in them and you look at the public space, how it can all work together and create a pretty remarkable downtown that's the kind of thing we are trying to put together here," said Eric Osth of Urban Dsign Associates.

Urban Design Associates out of Pittsburgh is helping establish a new vision for the look of Downtown East Liverpool.
There are ideas for large murals to be painted on buildings along with a focus on bringing in new businesses that will attract more people.

"Outdoor dining, which is currently not available in downtown ELP but trying to attract more bars and restaurants to the city as well as downtown living. We've been talking to developers and trying to get apartments in downtown ELP," said Mayor, Greg Bricker.

And so far people are investing in the downtown.

"The past 8 months we've had 7 buildings in downtown sell and change hands and the right people are buying them and gutting them and getting them ready to lease," added Bricker.

They are also looking at other assets the city could showcase for opportunities.

"The wharf down by the river is a great asset for the future, a great opportunity so painting a picture and a vision of what can help attract investment to reconnect elp with the river," said Osth.

The mayor says they are already seeing an economic recovery in the city and they want to help expand that to make sure East Liverpool has a bright future.