Corydon’s historic corridor focus of plan

As Main Street Corydon picks up steam to help revitalize the town that was once the state’s first capital, one process is to develop a plan for the historic downtown corridor.
The Downtown Focus Plan Steering Committee, which consists of the Main Street board and members of its design, entrepreneurial and promotions committees, met June 19 at the Harrison County Community Foundation building to identify areas they believe are key to the plan.
‘We have all new people involved,’ Catherine Turcotte, who was tapped in late October as the new executive director of Main Street Corydon, said, noting that Larry Bennett is carrying on in the footsteps of his father, the late Floyd (Bud) Bennett.
The last focus plan for downtown Corydon was completed in 2004.
Turcotte emphasized the importance of other plans, such as Harrison County’s comprehensive plan and the one the Town of Corydon is updating. She said having a strategic plan helps when it comes to writing grants.
Enlisted to help in the process were Taylor Siefker Williams design group and Michell Timperman Ritz architects. (Larry Timperman is involved with the New Albany Main Street program.)
Amy Williams, with Taylor Siefker, said the image of Corydon is ‘positively’ related to visitors and the town’s history.
‘Exit 105 is not the Walmart or chain restaurants; it’s Corydon,’ she said.
The comprehensive plan to be updated will look at the broader picture as it is determined what should change and what should be kept.
‘It’s great having these (projects) go on at the same time,’ Williams said, as it will saving money and reduce the number meetings people will be invited to attend.
Timperman said that, because Corydon is already a defined place,’ it should be easier to develop.
One big question, Angie Kleer, with Michell Timperman Ritz, said is, ‘How do we bring people back downtown?’
Some key areas already identified include the old Keller Manufacturing Co. property, quality housing options, green spaces and connecting trails, wayfinding signage and arts and culture.
After the attendees broke into two groups and brainstormed other potential ideas, Kleer suggested ‘neighborhood’ meetings might be helpful.
‘It’s a way to reach out to people who wouldn’t come to a meeting like this,’ she said. ‘We call them ‘meetings in a box’.’
Turcotte suggested having five meetings, one in each of Corydon’s five wards.
Details will be announced as they are finalized.
For more information, call Turcotte at 812-738-0120.