Downtown revitalization efforts focus on Open For Business campaign
Main Street Streetscape kicks-off, introduces comprehensive project marketing strategy.
March 23, 2016, Lafayette, IN – The official kick-off and celebration for the Main Street Streetscape project was held today. Although the first phase of the Main Street Streetscape construction started on March 7th, between 10th and 11th streets, the entire project scope was presented during a press conference this morning. The construction spans Main Street from 5th Street through 8th Street including areas located on 5th, 6th, 7th and 8th streets. Main Street will remain open throughout the project. All businesses will have customer access throughout the project and be open regular hours. Project details, information, construction updates, local shops and phasing maps can be found on the newly developed Main Street Streetscape website at: www.lafayettedowntownisopen.com.
In an effort to create a proactive approach to marketing downtown during construction, the City of Lafayette Economic Development Department and Communications & Marketing Department have assembled a dedicated team to assist with all aspects of the project. Main Street Streetscape project partners include IDC Marketing and Brand Development, Maximumedia Design, Inc., HWC Engineering, Milestone Contractors, TBird Engineering, Greater Lafayette Commerce and Visit Lafayette-West Lafayette.
City of Lafayette Economic Development Director Dennis Carson is excited to see downtown progress to the next level. “The City of Lafayette through its streetscape program is working to enhance the resident and consumer experience by creating a memorable, safe and inviting place for all. The Main Street streetscape project will not only enhance the aesthetics of downtown and increase property values, but correct and improve longstanding issues such as accessibility, lighting, landscaping, transportation and poor sidewalk conditions.”
Team members presented a comprehensive plan that will keep merchants informed and residents and visitors engaged and connected during the Main Street construction. Administrative aspects of the plan include ongoing communications, construction updates and a highly responsive approach to the business needs. The Open for Business marketing plan includes an interactive website, signage, advertising templates and customized content development to assist merchants with every aspect of advertising and support they may need during construction. The goal is to empower and educate our downtown merchants and provide a model for success and growth.
Maximumedia owner Noah Mattern appreciates the teamwork behind the project. “Being a Main Street business, Maximumedia is honored to have a part in the growth of the downtown community. As a marketing firm, we have a job that is two-fold: uniting the shops and businesses of Main Street under one, all-purpose brand, and extending our help in the form of marketing tools to our sister shops and fellow business owners.
Throughout, we hope to achieve a unity of vision that provides a narrative for our downtown, our families and the businesses that support them. We are all in this together. Everyone’s insight is valuable to the project and the better job we do of navigating this together, the more prepared we will be for business throughout the Main Street Streetscape project and beyond.”
IDC Principle Patrick Nycz encourages everyone to rally around downtown and appreciate this time of great growth and progress. “The city’s Main Street Streetscape project is about Vision (with a capital “V”). And it’s truly about going from good to great. Now is the time for the people of Main Street and downtown to band together and help each other. We are working together to launch the Open for Business marketing campaign with our fellow Main Street businesses. We want to make sure our entire community knows our downtown shops, restaurants, retail and professional services are OPEN during this Main Street ‘Makeover’ and your support is vital.”
Downtown is a top priority. The City of Lafayette and the project team look forward to the partnership this revitalization effort will build and the simple, consistent message it sends – downtown is open for business!
Follow along with the project at www.lafayettedowntownisopen.com
Streetscape is a comprehensive street and sidewalk enhancement construction project being implemented throughout the downtown Lafayette area to enhance visitor experience, create more public spaces, balance the needs of all modes of travel and establish the area as a destination to encourage more commerce and activity. The construction spans Main Street from 5th Street through 8th Street including areas located on 5th, 6th, 7th and 8th streets, as well as a portion of Main Street from 10th through 11th streets. Construction will be done in phases and access to all businesses will be available throughout the entirety of the project. Completion is estimated for the November of 2016.