Month: May 2026

Downtown Wabash, Inc. Celebrates 45th Birthday

Posted on by Adrianna Town

Downtown Wabash, Inc. proudly celebrates more than four decades of preserving, promoting, and

revitalizing the heart of Wabash. Founded in 1981 as Wabash Marketplace, Inc., the nonprofit

organization has played a transformational role in turning downtown Wabash into one of Indiana’s most

vibrant cultural and economic districts.

Established during a time when downtown Wabash faced significant decline, the organization was formed in response to growing storefront vacancies, deteriorating historic buildings, and the migration of retail andcommerce to suburban areas. Inspired by the national Main Street Movement, community leaders cametogether with a shared vision to preserve the city’s historic character while rebuilding its economic vitality.

One of the organization’s earliest milestones came in 1986 when efforts to preserve downtown’s

architectural heritage led to the official designation of the Downtown Wabash Historic District on the

National Register of Historic Places. The district includes 27 contributing historic buildings showcasing

Italianate and Romanesque Revival architecture. Throughout the 1990s and early 2000s, Downtown Wabash continued to build momentum through strategic revitalization efforts, small business support, façade improvement programs, and strong community partnerships. A major turning point occurred in 1994 with the Honeywell Foundation’s expansion of the Honeywell Center and the addition of the Ford Theater, helping establish downtown Wabash as a regional destination for arts and entertainment.

By remaining committed to preservation based economic development, the organization helped transform once vacant storefronts into thriving businesses, restaurants and gathering spaces. These efforts earned statewide recognition, including the prestigious 2018 Servaas Memorial Award from Indiana Landmarks.

Following its 40th anniversary, Wabash Marketplace, Inc. officially rebranded as Downtown Wabash, Inc.in February 2022, reflecting both its growth and renewed vision for the future. Today, Downtown Wabash, Inc. operates as a nationally accredited Main Street organization focused on four key pillars: Economic Vitality, Design, Promotion, and Organization. The nonprofit hosts approximately 40 free community events annually, including First Fridays and the Wabash Farmers Market, while continuing to champion historic preservation, small business development, and a vibrant walkable downtown experience. Downtown Wabash is proof of what can happen when a community believes in its historic downtown and invests in its future. What began as an effort to stop decline has grown into a nationally recognized example of revitalization, collaboration, and community pride.

As Downtown Wabash, Inc. celebrates this milestone anniversary, the organization looks forward to

continuing its mission of creating a thriving downtown where residents, visitors, and businesses can live,

work, and connect for generations to come.

Mammoth Park Art Installation

Posted on by Adrianna Town

Downtown Wabash Inc. is proud to announce the completion and installation of a stunning new mosaic

art project at Mammoth Park, bringing fresh color, creativity, and community pride to one of Downtown

Wabash’s signature locations.

Community members gathered on May 1st for a special ribbon cutting and dedication ceremony to

celebrate the completion of the project and recognize the many individuals who contributed to its

success. The event highlighted the impact of public art, strengthening community connections and

enhancing the beauty of Downtown Wabash.

The mosaic pieces were officially installed on April 22nd by Kevin Brainerd, whose craftsmanship and

expertise helped bring the vision to life. Additional support for the installation was provided by Mark

Sorg, who assisted in ensuring the project had the materials and resources necessary for completion.

The custom metal structures supporting the mosaics were designed and fabricated by Schlemmer

Brothers Metalworks, adding both durability and artistic character to the installation.

This community art initiative was made possible through the generosity of donors who believe in

investing in public spaces and supporting the arts in Wabash. From the earliest stages of planning and

design to the final installation, the project spanned nearly 18 months and represented a collaborative

effort between artists, volunteers, community partners, and supporters.

Downtown Wabash Inc. would also like to recognize the exceptional creativity and dedication of local

artists Diane Weekley, Leslie Vigar, Erika Ford-Clement and Julie Dickey. Their artistic vision, countless

hours of work, and passion for community art were instrumental in creating the intricate mosaic pieces

that now brighten Mammoth Park. Each mosaic reflects not only artistic talent but also the collaborative

spirit that continues to make Wabash a vibrant and welcoming community.

“These mosaics are a beautiful reflection of the creativity, collaboration, and community pride that make

Wabash so special,” said Mikka Hunt, Director of Downtown Wabash Inc. “This project brought together

talented artists, generous supporters, skilled craftsmen, and community members who all shared the

same vision of creating something meaningful for Downtown Wabash.”

The updated mosaics now serve as a vibrant focal point within Mammoth Park, offering residents and

visitors alike an inviting and artistic space to gather, reflect, and enjoy Downtown Wabash. Downtown

Wabash Inc. hopes the installation will continue to inspire community engagement, creativity, and

appreciation for public art for years to come.

THE OPENING OF THE FARMERS MARKET

Posted on by Adrianna Town


Downtown Wabash is gearing up for another vibrant season. The Farmers Market officially
opened on Saturday, May 9, and will run weekly through September 26. The market will take
place every Saturday morning from 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m., offering local; handmade,
homemade and homegrown products.


The Farmers Market, will be held on Market Street between Cass St. and Carroll St.,
featuring 40 vibrant vendor spaces offering a wide variety of fresh produce, handmade goods,
and local favorites. We are proud to make the market accessible to all by accepting SNAP
benefits and Double Up, with many vendors also accepting WIC. Several vendors accept
credit and debit cards, and for added convenience, Market Cash is available for those who
need access to additional funds while shopping. Whether you’re stopping by for your weekly
groceries or just browsing, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.
Shoppers can look forward to a wide variety of vendors featuring seasonal produce, baked
goods, handmade items, plants, crafts, and more. The market provides an opportunity to
support local growers, makers, and small businesses while enjoying the energy of downtown
on a Saturday morning.


Throughout the season, the Farmers Market will serve as a gathering place for residents and
visitors alike, encouraging connection, supporting local agriculture, and promoting healthy,
locally sourced food options.


The market is free to attend and open to the public. Visitors are encouraged to arrive early for
the best selection and to enjoy everything downtown has to offer during market hours.

Financial Resources

Posted on by Adrianna Town

Downtown Wabash, Inc. is pleased to remind downtown property owners, entrepreneurs, and businesses that multiple financial resources are currently available to support investment and revitalization in the downtown Historic District. These programs are designed to encourage new business activity, strengthen existing businesses, and improve downtown buildings.

Available resources include:

Pre-development loans and grants to assist with the payment of pre-development costs, e.g., architectural and engineering studies related to the purchase and rehabilitation of downtown buildings.

Loans for improving or expanding current business operations, to start a new business, and for rehabilitating buildings in the District.

Gap financing loans to support the purchase of downtown buildings.

Business Loans for continuing, expanding, and/or improving business operations.

Operating grants for new businesses in the district.

Educational scholarships for tuition related to classes focused on starting and operating a small business.

All loan programs are offered at very favorable interest rates to help make downtown investment more accessible. In addition, Downtown Wabash, Inc. is now accepting applications for its Façade Grant Program, which provides financial assistance to property owners seeking to improve the exterior appearance of their downtown buildings. Façade improvements help preserve the historic character of downtown while creating a more vibrant and welcoming environment for residents, visitors, and businesses. Property owners interested in enhancing storefronts, restoring historic architectural features, or making other exterior improvements are encouraged to apply.

Applications and additional information about all available programs can be obtained by contacting the Downtown

Wabash, Inc. office at 260-563-0975 or by emailing mikka@downtownwabash.com.

Downtown Wabash, Inc. remains committed to strengthening the local economy and supporting continued investment in the historic downtown district.