About Downtown Wabash
Downtown Wabash is not just a destination in Indiana, it’s also a 501(C)(3) nonprofit organization leading the way for economic revitalization in Downtown Wabash while respecting the rich history of the district. In 1981, the Wabash community created our nonprofit organization from the “Main Street Movement,” which was born at the national level as an economic development tool.
Vision Statement
Our vision is a downtown district that is vibrant, every day and night.
Mission Statement
To be a catalyst for community and economic revitalization, as a nonprofit organization utilizing the Main Street Approach™ in Downtown Wabash.
Main Street Four Point Approach
ECONOMIC VITALITY focuses on capital, incentives and other economic and financial tools to assist new and existing businesses, catalyze property development and create a supportive environment for entrepreneurs and innovators that drive local economies.
DESIGN supports a community's transformation by enhancing the physical and visual assets that set the commercial district apart.
ORGANIZATION involves creating a strong foundation for sustainable revitalization effort, including cultivating partnerships, community involvement and resources for the district.
PROMOTION positions the downtown as the center of the community and hub of economic activity, while creating a positive image that showcases a community's unique characteristics.
The Nonprofit
Formerly known as Wabash Marketplace, Inc. and established in 1981, Downtown Wabash, Inc. operates as a Nationally Accredited Main Street Organization among 132 other Main Streets in Indiana.
The Destination
Downtown Wabash sits in hilly terrain between the Wabash River and the Hill Street railroad tracks. The rich Big Four Railway history highlights the vaudeville roots of Wabash, making Wabash an arts & culture hub in the Northeast Indiana Region.
The Offerings
Recently designated an Indiana Cultural District by the Indiana Arts Commission, Downtown Wabash features many unique offerings in boutique shopping, live entertainment & movies, dining, lodging & recreational opportunities all in the 2-mile footprint.
Downtown Wabash Resource Downloads
Curious to know more about Downtown Wabash, Inc. as the nonprofit organization? Here are some resources to check out.
Meet the Team
Dedicated to a downtown district that is vibrant, every day and night.
Shane Waters
Executive Director
Shane Waters is a passionate storyteller, dedicated entrepreneur, and proud Hoosier whose lifelong love for community engagement led him to become the Executive Director of Downtown Wabash, Inc. Born and raised in Muncie, Shane graduated from Wapahani High School before attending Indiana University–Purdue University Indianapolis. It was there he launched his first crime-focused podcast in 2008, ultimately helping to bring attention to safety concerns on campus while pioneering the genre of true-crime podcasting.
Over the years, Shane’s dedication to sharing unique and compelling stories has led to the creation of Black Label Podcasts, a premium podcast network where he oversees a team of creatives from around the globe. His work has garnered multiple accolades, including over 45 awards, and has been featured in documentary series on both Netflix and Amazon Prime. Yet it was his first visit to Wabash—complete with a trip to the History Museum, dinner at Market Street Grill, and coffee at Modoc’s—that left him inspired by the local culture and strong sense of community.
Today, Shane is committed to channeling that inspiration into strengthening Downtown Wabash. Whether organizing local events, connecting business owners, or planning new initiatives, he brings enthusiasm, expertise, and a deep appreciation for Wabash’s historic charm and future possibilities. In every effort, he aims to create a thriving and inviting downtown for generations to come.
2025 Elected Officers and Directors
president
Amanda Lopez
Transform Consulting Group
vice-president
Kara Fulmer
Honeywell Arts & Entertainment
secretary
Cathy Gatchel
Honeywell Arts & Entertainment
treasurer
Erika White
Bionutrients USA
member
Neil Bever
Hoosier Chiropractic
member
Noah Roberts
Ford Meter Box
member
Steve Downs
Downs, Tandy & Petruniw, P.C.
member
Jeremy Haupert
Bulldog Battery
member
Bob Lundquist
Lundquist Appraisals & Real Estate
member
Katie Beauchamp (Jones)
Crossroads Bank
ex-officio
Scott Long
Mayor of Wabash
ex-officio
Christine Flohr
Visit Wabash County
ex-officio
Tenille Zartman
Grow Wabash County
