Downtown Revitalization, there is a distinct connection between economic vitality and placemaking.
Understanding the importance of placemaking, the City of Shelby contracted with an urban development group to produce a plan to help spur downtown enhancements. The improvements outlined in the revitalization plan will bring consistency to our downtown public areas and transform the heart of our city into an active place for entertainment and gathering.
The plan highlights three projects: Main Street Streetscape, Black Fork Commons Plaza, and Black Fork Trail and Stream Restoration, all with the purpose to draw residents and visitors to the hub of our community, the Black Fork Commons.
With more people gathering in and enjoying this area, shops, restaurants, and businesses will naturally evolve and have a sizeable impact on economic development. The “if you build it, they will come,” philosophy has been proven time and time again in other rural towns.
Main Street Streetscape.
This project is designed to create an atmosphere that beckons people to our downtown. It includes a tree-lined street, landscaping, improved flowerpots, new furniture, paved crosswalks and other pedestrian enhancements that provide safe and comfortable access to retailers and to open space amenities like Black Fork Commons, and Skiles Field.
The City of Shelby’s financial investment coupled with a grant from Regional Planning, has secured funding for this project. Currently, the engineering phase is underway, and groundbreaking should begin in early 2021.
Black Fork Commons Plaza.
Black Fork Commons Plaza is the heart of the downtown. Centrally located along Main Street, it currently serves as the gateway into the park, which houses a community amphitheater and high school football field.
The plan activates this space, bringing it to life. Short-term goals include a beautiful splash fountain for kids and families, a three-season use community fireplace, café style tables and chairs, and an indoor/outdoor pavilion. These amenities will attract individuals, families, and groups for both recreation and relaxation.
Private dollars will be used to fund this project. Fundraising efforts have begun, and the goal is to secure funding by end of 2020, so improvements can begin in 2021.
Black Fork Trail and Stream Restoration.
Envision the ability to bike from one end of town to the other on a beautiful, secure trail; or imagine having access to the Black Fork River to play in the stream. Nothing draws people more than water. With that in mind, the Black Fork Trail and Stream Restoration project encourages residents and visitors to congregate by the river.
This project is not to address Shelby’s history with flooding; however, aspects of the plan will certainly help that cause. Laying back the banks will help alleviate bottlenecks so water can flow more easily.
While just as important as the Main Street Streetscape and Black Fork Commons Plaza, this plan involves the demolition of the Central School. Currently, Shelby City School District is building a new PreK-8 facility. Once it is completed, and Central School is no longer functional, then plans to move forward with this project will commence.
