A five to seven year master plan that serves as a road map for attracting a new generation of young talent, vitality and investment through four transformative ideas to revitalize the Downtown both economically and culturally.
The City of Evansville commissioned the team of Progressive Urban Management Associates, Rundell Ernstberger Associates, and Hafer to complete a new 5-7 year downtown plan that lays out realistic goals to revitalize Downtown economically and culturally. REA’s was responsible for the urban design and physical planning recommendations, community outreach, leading the planning charrette, and graphics. The plan builds upon previous planning efforts embracing their goals and values, as well as grassroots, community-wide visioning process — VOICE.
As part of the strategic planning process, a market assessment was conducted to help identify recommendations for public and private investments. Five key market opportunities were identified including residential, retail, office, hospitality and public space.
Out of the research arose four Transformative Ideas that will influence a new era for a thriving, mixed use downtown that is a regional and national destination. The four Transformative Ideas include revitalizing Main Street, activating the riverfront, creating a NoCo Makers District and enhancing public spaces. Thriving Main Street designates key blocks as an entertainment district to create a cluster of energy to radiate to adjacent blocks. The redesign of 4th and Main Street park as an active gathering space uses Complete Streets principles to enhance the public realm.
