Grabill to mark downtown revitalization efforts
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Officials in the Allen County town of Grabill will Thursday cut the ribbon on streetscape improvements designed to enhance the downtown area. The $1.2 million project, supported by federal and local funding, was completed as part of the region’s Stellar Communities designation in 2018.
The project involved a two-block portion of Grabill Road/State Street and Main Street to 1st Street. The area includes businesses such as the Country Shoppes of Grabill, Grabill Hardware, and H. Souder and Son’s General Store.
The enhancements included new sidewalks and lighting designed to improve pedestrian safety and accessibility. Crews also upgraded the storm sewer and water system with the goal of safeguarding the surface-level improvements, as well as improve utility service.
“I am so pleased with how these projects have come together to revitalize Grabill’s downtown and am excited about the future for our community to draw additional residents and visitors,” Grabill Town Council President Wilmer Delagrange said in written remarks.
The project was funded with $750,000 in Community Development Block Grant funding from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. The town contributed just under $500,000.
Grabill is part of the NewAllen Alliance, which was one of two regions to receive the 2018 Stellar Communities designation. The alliance also includes Leo-Cedarville, Monroeville, New Haven, Woodburn and Allen County.
“The collaborative efforts of the East Allen County region to enhance quality of place are coming together nicely,” said Kristi Sturtz, NewAllen Alliance liaison. “Grabill’s downtown revitalization has been completed in concert with downtown improvements in Leo-Cedarville and Woodburn. Collectively, these small communities are cultivating nice environments for people to live, small businesses to locate, and backyard tourism to thrive.”
The ribbon cutting ceremony is scheduled for 3 p.m. Thursday followed by a public reception.