Lebanon, Indiana

LEBANON, INDI ANA improvements and maintenance to structures that are older and need work. And we do at least one event a month downtown; that investment in programming is drawing people in and supporting the local community. We see it as an economic development tool for small business.” The $18 million Brakeman project is one example of how the city is attracting the attention of mixed-use developers to invest in the downtown core. It’s located on an old railroad right of way, hence the name. Abraham Lincoln on his way to D.C. actually stopped and gave a speech at that site. “After making the initial investment in the physical town square, we hoped to see the ripples out in the surrounding historical district and that’s happening now,” says Mayor Gentry. “It’s another great opportunity for us – mixed-use with lower retail space and upper levels of apartments. We feel that’s a great fit, offering more density and more residents downtown that will benefit the local shops and restaurants.” As part of the downtown renewal project, the streetscape was reconstructed with new brick paver streets, accessible crosswalks, landscaping, and the installation of curb bump-outs to restrict the flow of traffic, so people have to drive slowly through the square. “Taking it from an auto-centric to a pedestrian-centric design,” says Krulik. “We also brought the regional trail that traverses the county into the square, installed new benches, period lighting – and we host special events under the lights. The Heart of Lebanon, our main street organization, creates those programs that really activate the downtown. The city also features exceptional recreational offerings through its parks and trails systems and a first-rate aquatic center. In conclusion, Mayor Gentry shares, “Everything we’ve done in the last five years has been about making Lebanon a great place to live. We’ve focused on quality of life initiatives to build a place that’s welcoming to people of all walks of life