Indiana main streets: tips for successful downtown revitalizations.

• Author: Kronemyer, Bob

Economically vibrant downtowns don't just happen. They require careful planning and require careful planning and broad-based support as well as a multitude of funding sources.

"First and foremost in getting a downtown revitalized is to have the populace really feel with you that it is needed," says Elden Yohe, secretary Wabash Marketplace Inc. Citizen involvement is critical. "You can't do it with just a core of business people who have a vested interest. It has to be widespread."

Wabash kicked off its downtown improvement in the early 1990s with storefront revitalization. Today, the city is involved in a streetscape with brick-lining and underground utilities. Moreover, to promote its fame as the first electrically lighted city in the world, Wabash is installing 32 overhead replica arc lights. To raise funds, street lamps are being sold for $1,200 each, trees for $500 and bricks with contributors' names for $125.

In addition to fund-raising activities, media support and cooperation from the local government have been instrumental in Wabash's success. "No matter what the politics, you've got to have cooperation from the city government," says Yohe.

Since 1992, downtown Noblesville has seen 32 facade improvements and 35 building rehabilitations. In that same time period, 18 retail shops have opened. Much of the development is the result of efforts by Noblesville Main Street Inc., part of the Indiana Main Street Program. In addition to an active volunteer board of directors, Noblesville has four operating committees covering design, economic restructuring, promotion and organization.

The promotion committee sponsors six special events a year to help create interest and promote downtown as a gathering place for both visitors and citizens. The design committee provides free technical assistance to property and business owners, as well as quarterly workshops on renovation issues and financial incentive sources. The focus of the economic restructuring committee is strengthening existing businesses and creating clusters that achieve balance and diversity both in retail and service.

"It's important to operate from a plan," says Sharon Hunsicker, the full-time executive director for Noblesville Main Street. "Market studies have helped us understand and analyze our trade areas, so we know the type of businesses that can succeed." Simply serving as a clearinghouse is beneficial, too, in matters such as identifying available space and whom to contact.

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