In its past life, the Columbiana Corridor was just a plain old alleyway with little personality before the city and a Columbiana High School creative entrepreneur got hold of the space to develop the economic development dream. (Photo by Stephanie Ujhelyi)

COLUMBIANA – East Liverpool has Umbrella Alley and the City of Columbiana has its Columbiana Corridor, which has quickly become an economic development success story thanks to some creative young minds.

What once was a boring old alley has become a way to revitalize a downtown neighborhood.

The Creative Entrepreneurship Class at Columbiana High School took the project under its collective wing more than four years ago.

The Columbiana Corridor, with its large sign and bright lights at night to greet visitors, is located on South Main Street between Columbiana Nutrition and Salon Anthurium.

The students shared the city’s goal of making the alleyway more inviting to the people who reside and visit to Columbiana, and the public has embraced the finished product wholeheartedly.

The project funding came from a mix of grants and community donations.

The area, which is one of Columbiana’s primary DORAs (Designated Outdoor Refreshment Areas), is at the front door of McKim’s Winery or nearby the visiting beer and cocktail truck brought in for special downtown events.

In the corridor, visitors can sit there and enjoy the furniture or relaxed ambiance while enjoying their alcoholic beverage in a specified area legally.