Avilla Downtown Revitalization Plan

During the 1980’s, State Road 3 was rerouted from downtown Avilla to approximately 1-mile east of town. The ensuing years saw a regression in both its appearance and economic vitality. In an effort to revitalize the core of the Town, Avilla obtained an Indiana Office of Community and Rural Affairs (OCRA) planning grant in 2012 and chose JPR to develop a Downtown Revitalization Plan.

The Plan was based on strategies such as a “support local” campaign, modifications to the TIF District, business incentives, utility upgrades, and techniques for maintaining downtown-appropriate 2nd story residential housing. However, a Beautification Plan was the major focus of the study.

Creating a warm and inviting downtown, optimizing parking, eliminating two-step curbs, and bringing all frontage entrances up to ADA standards was solved with an innovative streetscape design. In addition, a comprehensive economic strategy was developed to consider both local and regional opportunities, as well as ways in which to promote a more sustainable downtown economy.

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