Release Date: March 13, 2024
CHARLESTOWN, Ind. – The City of Charlestown was selected to participate in Indiana University’s Rural Placemaking Studio program with an eye on creating a vibrant sidewalk space at the City Square.
The sidewalk between Short Street and Market Street/HWY 3 will be redesigned with a creative design from the IU Center for Rural Engagement team. Initial ideas include seeking a place to relax with unique seating, shade, lighting, and artistic elements.
“We’re elated for the opportunity to collaborate with a talented design team at IU to take an underutilized space to another level,” said Charlestown Director of Communications Brian Smith, who will be the city’s project manager. “Events on the city square – Saturdays on the Square Market, Community Days, Music in the Park, Christmas, and car shows – will be elevated with an inviting outdoor space.”
The project kicks off in March/April 2024 with community planning sessions. Collaboration efforts between the city and IU will include the design process, fundraising, grant writing, arts engagement, maintenance plans, and more. Finalized renderings will be presented in August with a community celebration.
“We are so excited to partner with the City of Charlestown, along with the other Rural Placemaking Studio communities, and can’t wait to start work with IU School of Art, Architecture + Design faculty and students this summer,” said Nicole Vasconi, the Quality of Place liaison for the IU Center for Rural Engagement. “Our community partners have put forward so many interesting projects that will benefit our students, and we look forward to supporting community visions and dreams. It’s easily a win-win.”
“This project will further beautify Charlestown, especially in the heart of our city,” said Smith. “We are excited to kick off the project in the coming weeks and share ways residents and businesses can spread the word, volunteer, and donate.”
In recent years, Charlestown has added sidewalks and planters to the city square and surrounding streets. Downtown businesses have taken advantage of the Redevelopment Commission’s facade grant program to spruce up their storefronts in recent years.
The collaborative partnership can not only improve the quality of place, but to continue fostering the economic development and growth Charlestown is experiencing.