Living on Main Street

Massey has lived downtown for about a year.

His studio, The Empty Frame, is located above the Paper Haven and conveniently is just across the street from his apartment, he said.

“Most days I don’t have to drive,” he said.

The only downside to downtown living, Massey said, is finding a parking spot, though he acknowledged that he’d have more options if he bought a downtown parking permit.

“It’s not that big of a deal,” he said.

Last year, city commissioners agreed to accommodate residents living in the downtown district by approving a process to obtain permits to park longer than two hours in two-hour parking zones.

Downtown residents can purchase the permits from the City Clerk’s Office at City Hall, 101 S. Hickory St.

Massey said he’s not sure how many other Ottawans choose to live downtown because the foot traffic he sees could be from shoppers or diners.

P.J. Stephenson, Ottawa Main Street Association director, used to be a downtown resident.

“When I lived downtown, I thought it was great,” he said, noting the proximity to restaurants and businesses.

Massey said as a downtown resident and business owner, he’s committed to seeing the downtown grow and diversify.

“The downtown is certainly improving,” he said.

Herald staff writer Jodie Garcia can be e-mailed at jgarcia@ottawaherald.com.