COVER STORY CANTON INC
“The biggest surprise for us while living downtown is how much fun it is to live here. There’s always a lot to do and it’s within walking distance—there are times I don’t use my car for a few days.”
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—CATHY WYATT
22
“With the warmth and friendliness of the people, my wife and I are really enjoying living in the area.” Michael Watson teaches in the Canton City School District and coaches middle school cross country and high school track and field. Watson saw a 3D viewing of the Hercules building while at the Blues Fest last summer. He liked what he saw and couldn’t wait to see the finished building. “When I saw that preview, I just knew I had to live there,” Watson said. “I’ve always wanted the downtown style of living, plus I believe in putting money back into the place where you work.” He and his family have lived in the suburbs in Canton and North Canton. While he grew up just outside of Pittsburgh, this is the first time he has lived in an urban environment. He also eats at all of the restaurants, runs through the city and can now ride his bike to work. Both he and his daughters have frequented the many events held in the center city.
“Living downtown is a different style of living. When you’re single or an empty nester, you can truly express who you are and live the way you want, and I feel urban living represents who I am,” Watson said. Empty Nesters and Young Professionals Community manager of the Hercules Building, Ashlee Oncale, said its current renters are a mix of empty nesters, retirees and young professionals. The Hercules complex is located on Market Avenue South. “Our oldest renter right now is 82 years old,” Oncale said. “We also have young professionals, nurses and teachers renting with us.” Cassie Ausperk, director of sales and
marketing for The Onesto and Bliss, agrees. “Half of our renters are empty nesters and half are young professionals in their 20s and 30s,” she said. Both Wyatt and Hiltz and their spouses are empty nesters. Wyatt’s family lived in Louisville for 22 years. The Wyatts’ adult children both have graduated college. Their daughter lives in New York City, and their son lives in downtown Cleveland. The Hiltzes have four adult children, with the youngest in college in Dayton, a son in the U.S. Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs and two living in Seattle. “This is the first time my wife and I have lived in an urban area. The Canton