Main Street recently acquired 3 lots in the 200 Block of West Main between Messengers Storage and the Gold and Silver Pawn Shop. Two lots were donated by Mr. Vermillion and with the generosity of a local business owner we were able to purchase the third lot.  The Independence News and the Wagon Wheel were previously located on this site.  

The lots have been a tremendous eyesore in the community for 20 years and Main Street felt it was an opportunity to improve our downtown and create a park/gathering space for downtown residents, the community, and visitors.  Outdoor living spaces are known to improve health by boosting the immune system while reducing stress and depression.  These spaces also increase surrounding property values.  This enhancement will add to the beautification of our community in addition to tourism.  As noted by Doug Pickert, an attractive, well-maintained community is crucial for successful tourism.

Heckman and Associates developed an outstanding plan.  The design intent was to create a more sustainable, walkable, vibrant, active and connected neighborhood and city.  Our initial plans came with over a half million dollar price tag.  Although the plans were amazing, we knew it would be difficult to raise that amount of money in a reasonable time frame.  After learning of the price tag on our original drawing it became clear we needed to phase our project.  Sean and Miranda went right back to work on revising our dream.  Although local vendors will be used and the money will stay in our community, we wanted a usable space in a fairly short time frame. We asked the architect to phase it in a manner that would not require undoing anything from Phase One to complete Phase Two; we want to be good stewards of our donations.

Below are the before, during and to date pictures and plans.