Work Continues on Downtown Attica, Tipton Revitalization
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As a subscriber you can listen to articles at work, in the car, or while you work out. Subscribe NowMoves are continuing to be made to bring new life to the downtown of one Fountain County city. The historic district of downtown Attica was listed earlier this year on Indiana Landmarks’ 10 Most Endangered list for the second consecutive year and in a matter of months, bulldozers took down two buildings. Meanwhile, the city of Tipton is also making moves to revitalize its downtown after receiving a state grant.
In the first installment of our Endangered Indiana series, Around Indiana Reporter Mary-Rachel Redman visited downtown Attica to learn about the city’s efforts to restore what was once a booming downtown for nearly a century.
Now, two historic buildings in the first block of downtown Attica have been completely leveled. The result is three empty lots now sitting on on the historic streetscape.
The city of Attica has purchased a number of buildings downtown and has released a comprehensive economic development plan that includes low-income apartments and new commercial spaces that will fit aesthetically with the historic buildings that are still standing.
As for the storied Hotel Attica, the north wing of the building was recently bulldozed and officials say the plan is to save the historic landmark. However, one longtime business owner says watching the historic buildings come down is like losing a best friend.
“I think there was certainly a feeling of loss,” said Lisa Kraft-Jordan. “You’re losing the face in the front of your downtown and with that comes part of the character of your city. I think it’s still a sad statement that we see our historic downtown just going away like this.”
Another small Indiana community is actively working on improving its main street.
In September, Tipton’s downtown revitalization plan was approved after receiving a $45,000 grant from the Indiana Office of Community and Rural Affairs. The five-year plan will cost an estimated $5-8 million to complete.
“The vast majority of rural counties are having declining population and our projections suggest that we’re going to continue with that,” said Kegan Schmicker, executive director of the Tipton County Chamber of Commerce. “So if we’re going to help change that trajectory in Tipton, it’s going to take a concerted effort and a very focused strategy.”
The historic Tipton County Jail & Sheriff’s Residence is also included on the 10 Most Endangered list this year. Schmicker says he remains hopeful that the jail will continue to attract interested investors so his team can use the historic landmark as a potential focal point of the city’s new redevelopment plan moving forward.