WABASH, IN- Downtown Wabash, Inc. is thrilled to announce their approved 8-year strategic plan. Downtown 2030, is finally underway. A lot has happened since they introduced the soft launch in April, but now it is finally time to reveal the plan.
The plan was written in line with the Main Street America community-based revitalization initiative, The Main Street Approach, using volunteer committees with expertise in areas of design, economic vitality, promotion and organization.
The transformation strategy of arts and culture will be at the focus of the plan in concordance with the 2021 state-designated Wabash Cultural District
The planning process included receiving input from community partners including The City of Wabash Indiana, Grow Wabash County, Visit Wabash County, Honeywell Arts & Entertainment and the independently owned businesses and organizations located within the district.
Downtown 2030 for Downtown Wabash, Inc. was written and planned with guidance from Transform Consulting Group, located in Downtown Wabash, Indiana.
The four overarching goals of Downtown 2030, utilizing the Main Street Approach Pillars include:
1️⃣ Design: Develop space and place by enhancing the physical assets in the district and highlighting the Wabash Cultural District.
2️⃣ Economic Vitality: Cultivate a strong, collaborative and diverse economic base, especially with business and property owners.
3️⃣ Organization: Focus on partnerships and resources to create a cohesive vision, collective mindset and a thriving nonprofit organization.
4️⃣ Promotion: Showcase our unique downtown experience with storytelling and events encouraging each market segment to shop, dine, have fun, work, live and invest.
Downtown 2030 is important because downtowns provide quality of place for population growth. People want distinct, active places and Wabash County needs people to grow its population. Downtowns across the country are experiencing new investment fueled by demographic changes, remote work capability and desire for walkable, mixed-use places. Wabash is no different with developers, residents and tourists rediscovering Downtown over the past two decades. Since the year 2000, more than $73 million dollars have been invested in downtown projects. That’s $3 million per year. Continued growth and development is necessary in Downtown because of the role it continues to play in shaping the city’s culture, identity and quality of place.
Follow along as they continue the exciting work as a nonprofit organization devoted to a vibrant downtown district every day and night in #DowntownWabash, Indiana. DowntownWabash.org
