Downtown Dunkirk Development Surge: Multiple Projects Advancing

From the Dunkirk City Council meeting on August 24, 2026

The presiding officer gave a detailed economic development update during the August 24 council meeting, reporting to a Jay County Chamber of Commerce representative that multiple downtown projects are moving forward.

Crown City Lanes is expanding, building a small restaurant in the back of the building with a walkway, relocated drink service area, and new kitchen.

The Stewart Brothers building is getting new windows, and an event center is being developed inside — described as "something that nobody else has."

The Todd building has apartments upstairs "basically all ready" and finishing up. The downstairs will feature golf simulators, a baseball simulator, and a small food area.

A new housing addition has a signed contract and aims to break ground next spring. Infrastructure planning for utility lines, roads, and lot layouts is underway. The project area is being designated as a residential Tax Increment Financing (TIF) district, while downtown is being designated as a commercial TIF district.

The presiding officer noted that "not too many empty buildings left" downtown, though some still need to be torn down. Amanda from the Jay County Chamber of Commerce attended the meeting and committed to spending more time in Dunkirk, potentially using city facilities one day per week.

Source: Meeting transcript — City of Dunkirk - City Council Meeting - August 24, 2026

Some information may be inaccurate due to video audio quality.