STEUBENVILLE, OHIO—With the blessing of the property, the turning of soil, and stirring words from University and public officials, Franciscan University of Steubenville officially christened Franciscan Square—a new commercial development on University Boulevard across from the main entrance to Franciscan University.

The Groundbreaking Ceremony was held May 5 on the property and attended by nearly 100 civic and business leaders and members of the University community.

Calling it Steubenville’s “largest commercial development in many decades,” Franciscan University President Father Sean O. Sheridan, TOR, explained that Franciscan Square will be anchored by a new Best Western Plus University Inn and two potential restaurants and fronted by a beautiful green space. Future phases of development, he explained, may include a mixed use meeting center, retail space, and office space.

“Franciscan Square will present a friendly gateway to the University and provide a new destination point and gathering area for the local community,” said Father Sheridan. “The development for which we break ground today is another example of the cooperation and collaboration between town and gown that we have shared from the earliest days [of the College of Steubenville].

In his remarks, Mayor Domenick Mucci, Jr. proclaimed Franciscan Square “the new entrance for the city of Steubenville.” Mucci said the development, coupled with a major upgrade to begin later this year to nearby State Route 7 and University Boulevard, will dramatically transform the most traveled entryway into the city.

Representing Sixth District U.S. Congressman Bill Johnson, Sarah Poulton read a proclamation that touted the new jobs and economic benefits that will come from Franciscan Square. “Franciscan University has a rich history in the Ohio Valley and continues to be an integral and valued entity in the community,” stated Johnson’s proclamation.

Jefferson County Commissioner and Franciscan University professor Dr. Thomas Graham read congratulatory letters from Ohio Senator Lou Gentile and Ohio Representative Jack Cera. “This endeavor will spur the local economy, bringing jobs to the economy. It is also an indicator of the progress our region is making,” Cera’s letter said.

Before he blessed the property with holy water, Father Sheridan prayed, “Whenever we look to the interests of our neighbor or the community and serve them, we are in a sense, God’s own coworkers. Let us pray for his help through this celebration my brothers and sisters, that God will bring this construction to successful completion and that his protection will keep those who work on it safe.”

The ceremony concluded with the symbolic groundbreaking by Franciscan University friars, members of the Board of Trustees and Board of Advisors, elected officials, representatives of the Steubenville School District, and other civic and community leaders.

Work on the 114-room hotel and swimming pool will begin in earnest this month, with a targeted completion date of August 2016. Once completed, the old Best Western University Inn will be renovated into student housing to address an acute need for more residence hall space and to allow for future enrollment growth.

Franciscan Square will be financed through revenue generated from the hotel and leases for the restaurants and retails spaces.