Carol Johnson, Southern Indiana Business Report
WASHINGTON – Discover Downtown Washington has only been around a couple of years, but the Indiana Main Street organization has quickly made strides in revitalizing downtown Washington.
The nonprofit recently was named an Aspiring Indiana Accredited Main Street, which means it is one year from meeting all accreditation standards. The group’s 2024 Annual Report points to an organization that is committed to its mission of community-driven revitalization.
Discover Downtown Washington President Cindy Barber said a committed group of volunteers and board members have turned ideas into action and the result is a downtown that is becoming a source of local pride as well as a place for locals and visitors to shop, dine and gather.
Discover Downtown Washington highlights from 2024 include:
- Eclipse planning: The city planned a three-day festival and welcomed visitors from 12 states.
- Farmers Market: The inaugural downtown market had an average of 12 vendors and 90% of those vendors reported their customer base grew as a result of their participation. Gross vendor revenue was $33,210
- DORA planning: Discover Downtown Washington worked with city leaders on a Designated Outdoor Refreshment Area. The group helped with signage, mapping and talked to downtown businesses about preparing for a DORA.
- Downtown Revitalization Plan: Created a plan to drive planning efforts for downtown. The plan received support from Daviess Co. Economic Development, city of Washington and Daviess County Community Foundation.
The group received $60,000 in grant funds to pay for the plan, completed by HWC Engineering, which was adopted by the Washington City Council.
“We’re serious about using the plan to move downtown forward,” said Barber.
Adding wayfinding signage to make it easier for visitors navigate the city, beautification work and reviewing downtown ordinances are some of the projects Discover Downtown Washington will pursue in 2025.
With the new $3.1 million Commons project providing a large and beautiful venue for live music, festivals and other events, Barber said the downtown is ready to explore new opportunities.
Establishing a DORA, “is another piece of the downtown revitalization puzzle,” said Bob Grewe, Discover Downtown Washington board member and Daviess County Economic Development executive director.
“I believe Downtown Washington is uniquely positioned to benefit from the DORA on account of the events and activities that will take place in the heart of downtown at the Washington Commons,” Grewe said.
The Washington City Council passed a DORA ordinance and now the city is waiting for state approval.
“The DORA will allow persons at a Commons’ event to explore Main Street while enjoying a refreshment. Foot traffic is an essential component to a vibrant downtown area and the DORA will help create more of it,” Grewe said.
Special events, facade program returns
Discover Downtown Washington also organized Shop Small Saturday and Christmas on Main.
“One of the things we’re proud of is the way we’re able to support property owners and retailers around needs they’ve identified,” Barber said. “Whether that’s the Radius Indiana low interest loan facade program to beautification in general. Bringing in experts to formulate a plan has been key to the improvements people are seeing in downtown.”
The Quick Impact Facade Grant has spurred $280,000 in private investment to improve facades in the downtown. The popular program returns this spring thanks to support from the City of Washington and Daviess County, each providing 50% of the grant. Matching grants up to $3,500 each are available for three new recipients. Guidelines and criteria to apply can be found online at www.discoverdowntownwashington.com/programs.
Revenue was another bright spot for Discover Downtown Washington. The organization’s total revenue was $155,798.
The group’s revenue breakdown included:
- $83,633 in sponsorships and donations
- $48,000 in grants
- $11,517 in event revenue
Seeing the benefits and success of working with Main Street Indiana and the Indiana Office of Community and Rural Affairs, Barber said Discover Downtown Washington is reaching out to other communities in Daviess County.
“Because of what we’ve learned, we want to be available to other communities in the county that want to revitalize their downtowns,” she said. “We’re already working with Odon and we’re looking to work with Montgomery.”