Blake Cromwell takes in a concept board of what type of development could come to the former Keller Manufacturing Co. site at Thursday night's unveiling at the First State Office Building in downtown Corydon. Photo by Alan Stewart
Blake Cromwell takes in a concept board of what type of development could come to the former Keller Manufacturing Co. site at Thursday night's unveiling at the First State Office Building in downtown Corydon. Photo by Alan Stewart
Approximately 70 people attended Thursday night's unveiling of concept boards of 10 revitalization projects chosen by residents who attended multiple ward meetings the past several months and by the leaders of Main Street Corydon.

The boards weren't completely a design of what is going to happen, rather what could happen and what the future of Corydon might look like. Attendees were given a survey to allow them to voice their opinions about the various plans, what they liked best about a project and offer any questions or concerns.

"I was happy with the turnout. I haven't been able to go over the responses in the survey as of yet, but the general response from those who attended was positive," Catherine Turcotte, Main Street Corydon's executive director, said Thursday night at a gathering for the Chamber of Commerce of Harrison County.

Two projects seemed to capture the longest attention span: redevelopment of the old Keller Manufacturing Co. property and the Bicentennial Park plan.

Redevelopment of the old Keller site might include greening up the land in the floodway along Big Indian Creek, the construction of an event center and additional infrastructure, the construction of brownstone homes (similar to a row house), an amphitheater and a walking trail.

The Bicentennial Park concept would include approximately 80 parking spaces adjacent to a splash pad or water feature, shade trees, an art/seating wall, gathering lawn, pavilion/gazebo and walkways that would lead between the Corydon town square and the Fred Cammack Corydon Farmers Market. The park would be located at the current public parking site along Chestnut Street.

"The evening at the First State Office Building was encouraging. What a great juxtaposition, to be in such a beautifully restored historic building, considering 10 projects that may well make history," Turcotte said yesterday (Tuesday). "I especially enjoyed the input of all ages ... it was fun to see children talking about what ideas they liked best, like the splash pad. And, standing next to them were seniors, who have followed some of these projects for years, and newcomers to the community who are happy they moved to such an involved community."

"I really do feel like we are at that point in time in our community when together we are about to make a difference that will stand the test of time," she said.

The Conrad building, located at the corner of Chestnut and Elm streets, could see improved residential options on the second floor and an improvement to the facade. The same improvements might be seen at the Stonecipher building, located across Chestnut Street from the Conrad building (and adjacent to the proposed Bicentennial Park).

There were additional boards for an urban trail plan, gateway enhancements and improved street lighting; dining along Beaver Street that would have sidewalks extended farther out into Beaver Street, which would increase outdoor dining options but remove angled parking spaces; and improved signage that would direct visitors to various locations in the downtown district.

One board dedicated to the Fred Cammack Corydon Farmers Market noted that the conceptual renderings could not happen due to the building being in the flood plain, and partly in the floodway, and violating the flood plain ordinance.

Main Street Corydon, which is still seeking public input on the various projects, which will be posted soon on the organization's Facebook page, is currently working on an alternative plan for the farmers market that would still meet the goals of providing a shelter for farmers and vendors while also providing a gathering place for the community.