THE HEART OF JASPER Jasper’s downtown area is experiencing a revival, thanks to the city’s main street program, known as Heart of Jasper. As part of the efforts, a facade grant program was introduced, offering up to $10,000 in matching funds for exterior improvements. “That program has been very successful and has driven other investments from neighboring businesses in the downtown area,” Mayor Vonderheide notes. “We’ve seen a great turnaround in a downtown that wasn’t thriving.” As downtown Jasper continues its transformation into a vibrant hub for residents and visitors, investments in infrastructure, streetscapes and public spaces have helped to attract new businesses to the area.“We put all the hardscaping and all the hard stuff in, but the Heart of Jasper, they really work to activate and bring the human element into play,” says Josh Gunselman, Director of Community Development and Planning. “Last year alone, they attracted over 22 businesses, either new or relocated into that area based on the work that they’re doing and the revitalization effort that we’re having in the community.” The Thyen-Clark Cultural Center, housing the Jasper Public Library and Jasper Arts, serves as an anchor to the downtown.This collaborative project between the city and the public library draws talent and visitors for art exhibitions, performances, and educational programs.“We were the first city in Indiana and we’re only one of maybe three that actually have an arts department as part of their city government. And they do an amazing job as the look to celebrate 50 years in 2024,” conveys Gunselman A THRIVING BUSINESS LANDSCAPE Gunselman says the city’s recent economic development efforts include work towards the conversion of a landfill into a solar plant and maintaining shovel-ready sites for potential businesses. “Where we’ve really seen the greatest success is our homegrown small businesses that have become national and international companies throughout the time,” he touts.“We’ve got around half a dozen significantly large employers that employ 11,000 people in the area, who have all originated here in their early years.” 3 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 06, ISSUE 02 JASPER, IN
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