Evansville Jumping Into ‘Urban Renaissance’
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As a subscriber you can listen to articles at work, in the car, or while you work out. Subscribe NowEvansville leaders have unveiled an ambitious plan to revamp downtown and attract and retain top talent. The city is working with Denver-based Progressive Urban Management Associates on a master plan focusing on making downtown a live, work and play neighborhood, rather than just a business center. PUMA President Brad Segal says key improvements include a maker’s district, public square and improvements to the riverfront and park spaces.
The development group also includes Evansville-based Hafer Design and Rundell Ernstberger Associates in Indianapolis. The team was selected after a Request For Proposals issued about a year ago. PUMA is the same group that handled the Velocity project for downtown Indianapolis. That effort also included Rundell Ernstberger.
Southwest Indiana Chamber Downtown Alliance Director Joshua Armstrong says the maker space will encourage users to make anything from code to sushi and rock and roll. The district will be known as "NoCo," or North of Court. Overall, he says the goal is to create an "activated, innovated, connected neighborhood."
Segal says this type of effort is crucial for cities that are competing with communities throughout the United States for jobs and talent. He says every city in the country wants young professionals, and a "vital, happening downtown" is a critical amenity.
Input from more than 1,500 people helped guide the proposal. Segal says Evansville has proven to be unique because of its high level of community enthusiasm. The effort will begin with about a dozen "quick wins" that can be completed quickly. They include organizing a downtown management organization and economic impact district governed and led by the private sector.
Segal says the process will begin with about a dozen “quick wins.”