Greentown looks to the future in Downtown Revitalization Plan

The Downtown Revitalization Plan - being developed by a mix of residents, elected officials and outside consultants – has the goal of enacting a number of "catalyst projects" that would rehabilitate historic structures and enliven the town's center.

It’s a tactic unlikely to create immediate change, but is the start of a process that could, officials say, kick off a reversal of fortunes for Greentown and bring about changes both big and small.

“What we’re trying to create is a system to recruit entrepreneurs, to foster new growth, to sort of give them the tools they need to get started and then to support them,” said Scott Burgins, a senior project manager for Strategic Development Group, which is working with the Greentown community to develop the revitalization plan.

“That’s what the town needs more than any specific plan.”

Developing that system, and the preceding plan, has been enabled largely through state grant funding.

A $40,000 grant from the Indiana Office of Community and Rural Affairs was provided strictly for the planning of downtown revitalization, according to Burgins.

There is also a $500,000 grant available for construction of downtown projects, such as building facades, which is applied for separately, explained Burgins in an email.

But before applying for the downtown construction grant, Greentown officials plan to apply for OCRA grants related to the town's stormwater management, according to Town Council President Scott Deyoe.

The downtown revitalization plan itself will be sent on June 30 to OCRA for review, followed by a public hearing and vote on the plan by the Greentown Town Council on Aug. 21.

Downtown is identified in the plan as the heart of Greentown: the intersection of Main and Meridian streets, extending one block north to Grant Street and south to Walnut Street.

To include gateways to downtown, the project area was also extended west along U.S. 35 to the reservoir and east along U.S. 35 past County Road 950 East.

It’s an area that faces a number of challenges, as noted in the plan, including the planned relocation of Subway and the closing of Ma & Pa’s Diner. Also, the Brad Howell Ford car dealership is in the process of relocating to Kokomo.

However,  Deyoe said last week that talks with a developer indicate “another restaurant or business” will be moving into the Subway location. He said the leading candidate is a Mexican restaurant.

And in an attempt to grow Greentown, the plan's catalyst projects have been identified in the areas of economic development, public realm and buildings.

As for economic development, the plan highlights, amongst other ideas, the possible creation of a tax increment finance district – a tactic oft-employed by Kokomo officials – firming up partnerships with county-wide organizations and taking road trips to similarly-sized Indiana towns that have made revitalization progress.

Other suggested projects are more likely, however, to develop an immediate sense of excitement for Greentown residents.

Under the heading of public realm, the plan suggests improving the town’s pedestrian and bicycle corridors, wayfinding and branding, and its gateways and primary streetscapes – largely with street trees, bumpouts and other upgrades.

In fact, bumpouts, or curb extensions, became a slight point of contention at a recent public meeting, with some in the audience questioning their safety.

Most notably, however, the plan proposes focusing resources in a "core area" identified as the Meridian Street block immediately north of Main Street. In the area, officials say, could be a pocket park with additional public parking and three historic building catalyst projects.

Also proposed is a Town Hall Fountain Plaza plan and conceptual design.

“Historically, Fountain Plaza has been the center of downtown community events, including Music at the Fountain,” reads the plan, specifying its focus on improving the plaza’s ability to host community events and “day-to-day functional needs.”

Included would be a renewed focus on the fountain, ornamental planting beds, public seating and more. In conjunction with large sections of the plan, beautification of the immediate downtown area has been a major point of focus for Greentown officials.

“In order to have downtown be successful, it needs to feel like something is happening,” said Ken Remenschneider of Remenschneider Associates, who has helped to develop the revitalization plan.

Remenschneider also noted the importance of outdoor dining and a pedestrian-friendly downtown.

Additionally, rehabilitating historic buildings in Greentown’s immediate downtown area is considered integral to the town's future success.

One building listed in the plan is the Indiana Order of Odd Fellows, 119 N. Meridian St., constructed in 1898.

“Storefront alterations have removed the historical character of the first level but the appeal of the original building remains, including its upper story windows and details brick pilasters and cornices,” reads the plan.

Suggested improvements include repairing and restoring the historic storefront and windows, installing non-illuminated signage and providing exterior lights with “period appropriated fixtures,” for an estimated cost of $140,000 to $160,000.

Another building featured in the plan is already receiving renovation efforts: the Star Theatre, 128 N. Meridian St., constructed in 1900. The plan recommends doing much of the same as at the I.O.O.F building, at a probable cost of $100,000 to $120,000.

Also, officials have highlighted the stretch from 100 to 104 E. Main St., constructed in 1890, and the revitalization role it could play through simple measures like reopening the upper story windows.

It’s an area, many believe, that could feature outdoor seating and become a place for activity and community gatherings.

And it’s a plan that hopes to create one thing: “a shared vision of the town’s future.”