Washington, IN

Downtown Revitalization Plan

Discover Downtown Washington engaged HWC to complete a Downtown Revitalization Plan for the City of Washington. Ten city blocks lining the existing Main Street corridor made up the study area. The intent of the Plan was to review existing conditions, provide research and analysis, obtain public input, and provide recommendations within a set action plan for future revitalization opportunities. The effort also included reviewing existing ordinances related to downtown, recommendations related to traffic flow, one-way streets, and truck deliveries, and accommodating downtown events.

Results:

• • Established short-term, low investment and long-term, high investment action items to establish a downtown district in six categories: Streetscape + Gateways, Public Space + Event Infrastructure, Parking + Circulation, Building Reuse Opportunities, Downtown Architecture, and Perimeter + Alleys
  • Identified Capital + Capacity goals including establishing a DORA (Downtown Outdoor Refreshment Area) district, creating a downtown TIF (Tax Increment Financing) district, implementing a local food and beverage tax, and developing a Historic Preservation Commission to establish eligibility for future funding