Carol Johnson, Southern Indiana Business Report
WASHINGTON – After a year of planning, Discover Downtown Washington has been named a member of Main Street’s Downtown Affiliate Network by the Office of Community and Rural Affairs.
The Washington nonprofit, which formed in 2022, was one of 14 organizations announced by the state as working to develop their downtowns with the guidance of Main Street Indiana.
Dusty Davis, board president of Discover Downtown Washington, said being part of the Downtown Affiliate Network is the first step toward becoming a nationally certified Main Street program, which is the ultimate goal for the group.
“It’s a great program and it guides us into setting up our downtown where it’s very structured and purposeful and allows us to move forward and take our downtown to the next level,” Davis said.
In 2022, the group organized a Christmas stroll and Shop Small Saturday; other events are planned starting this spring. The Daviess County Chamber of Commerce and Visitors Bureau will sponsor its Wine and Brewfest April 22 in downtown Washington and Discover Downtown Washington will assist with the event.
“The Indiana Main Street program allows communities to celebrate what makes them unique and showcase their downtown districts,” said Lt. Gov. Crouch, Indiana’s Secretary of Agriculture and Rural Development. “I look forward to seeing how each of these 14 communities will utilize this program in the coming months.”
New facade grant program
A facade grant program is next up for the group. Davis said the city of Washington and Daviess County each committed $20,000. The program will offer grants of $3,500, which must be matched by the building owner or tenant, to be used for painting or making repairs to downtown storefronts.
Washington Mayor David Rhoads first suggested the city tap into the resources of the Main Street program in 2021. A meeting was held to gauge interest and learn about the program. Today, Discover Downtown Washington has a board and four committees working together; about 60 people are involved. Board officers are Davis, board president; Bryant Niehoff, vice president; Cindy Barber, secretary and Mary Smith, treasurer.
Davis said previously, different organizations were focused on aspects of downtown Washington, but this effort is more strategic and will be focused on a long-term vision for downtown.
“Main Street is allowing us to work together in a way we never have – across all aspects – the chamber, the city and county,” he said. “Everyone has the same common vision right now.”
Part of that vision will include other projects such as the plan to construct Washington Commons, an outdoor entertainment and gathering space. Estimated cost of the project is $3.5 million. The project will include pavilions and a stage, spanning about one block along Main Street.
In the future, Davis, who owns several downtown buildings and has restored older buildings, said Discover Downtown Washington wants to create a five-year vision for downtown.
Davis pointed to development in other areas of Daviess County and the need to create a downtown that is vibrant and brings people together.
“Big things are happening in the northern part of the county at WestGate and the city is working with developers to bring in 300 residential units,” he said. “That’s much needed for people who are here and for future growth. If you couple all that with what’s planned for downtown and the potential from I-69, we’re poised to blossom with growth.”