For Shelbyville Mayor Tom DeBaun, the response by citizens to the First Friday events and the Farmer's Market are signs that there is a sense of pride to the downtown area of Shelbyville.
"There is a hardworking group of downtown merchants and Shelbyville Mainstreet personnel who have made those things happen that matter. First Fridays and the Farmer's Market had a successful year and those events now become 'expected' and anticipated by the community. During the event in June when we had the Methodist Building open for the market concept, numerous people said things like, 'Why can't we have this all of the time?' and 'I hope this is the start of greater things.' The planting of the flowers, the Christmas decorations and parade, the festivals for the arts groups, I think show that pride as well," DeBaun said.
For Mainstreet Shelbyville Executive Director Brandy Coomes, that is music to her ears.
Coomes agrees that Shelbyville and Shelby County have a "great pride in their downtown," and she said that sense of pride continues to grow.
"I think the sense of place has gained momentum in the last few years, and I believe it's a combination of reasons such as improved aesthetics, new and different businesses, the First Friday events and projects such as the community mural. All of these factors have greatly improved the downtown and have spurred an interest in making it a community destination. As the momentum continues, more interest will follow, leading to more possibilities for future projects and events that enhances our community and the historic downtown. I continually see opportunities for improvement, but the momentum has swung in the downtown's favor and I can't wait to see the community capitalize on it and continue to make great things happen," Coomes said.
Coomes said it is "imperative" that the Methodist Building be developed and successful in the future.
"It is a landmark as you drive through the downtown and having it dark and uninhabited gives the impression that the rest of the downtown is too, and that is not the case. The downtown of a city is usually an indicator of the overall condition and strength of the entire community. If the historic downtown district is not appealing and thriving, then it's a good indicator to visitors and residents that the entire area is struggling. The downtown is considered the heart of the community," Coomes said.
She points to the facade improvements that have made a big impact on the downtown economy as a sign downtown is vibrant.
"The 2014 round of facade grants completed our 21st project and has invested $365,636 into permanent capital improvements into our historic downtown buildings. The return on these investments are twofold: the improvements either retained or recruited businesses into the space and the general increase of business after an improvement project averages 25 percent. The downtown has to be attractive and inviting in order to attract businesses and customers alike," Coomes said.
In addition to a downtown that is full of shoppers, DeBaun has said it is important to have people living downtown, as well.
"It is an important element of any downtown success. 'Mass' is the key element to a thriving downtown. That means people gathering but also a stable base on a consistent basis. Look at those areas we desire to emulate and they have people living in the upper floors of the structures," DeBaun said.
Both Coomes and DeBaun say a "mixed-use" approach is ideal in the future.
DeBaun said diversification is important.
"It's like any industry. Mixed-use development has been successful in communities all over the world. I don't think Shelbyville would be any different," DeBaun said.
Coomes said while it is "ideal," Shelbyville is not currently in a position to offer a mixed-use plan.
"Our current downtown buildings have approximately a 90 percent vacancy rate on the upper floors. The vacancy rates are due largely to the conditions of the upper stories and the expenses that would occur to make them habitable and desirable. In most cases, the spaces are not up to current building codes, lack elevators and would require a large investment to renovate the spaces. I would love to move towards a mixed-use approach one day, but until the spaces can be rehabilitated and the demand for downtown market rate housing increases, the approach has many challenges to overcome," Coomes said.