As part of the Action Agenda process, the contributed ideas were compiled to guide municipalities. Municipal and community leaders used this critical feedback to identify priority action items for each of their communities, resulting in the Next Chapter Action Agenda.
Action Agenda for Elkhart
DOWNTOWN
Downtown Development
Elkhart will position its downtown and River District as an attractive/accessible business and leisure zone. We will adopt mixed-use and infill development measures. Incentives will be provided for residential and commercial development which supports new businesses development. We will explore additional streetscaping measures and traffic calming measures which support pedestrian safe pathways to downtown retailers, parks, paths/trails and other amenities. We will provide improvements to the downtown to help promote public safety and a walkable community. Improvements may include landscaping, lighting, bicycle racks, trails, sidewalks, and wayfinding signage.
Amphitheater Project
The Elkhart AMP Group will partner with the Lerner Theater and the City of Elkhart to construct a multi-use amphitheater between Main Street and Waterfall Drive on what is currently known as the Central Green. The conceptual design includes space for additional retail, restaurants, public facilities, amenities for musicians/actors, and smaller/intimate event spaces. The amphitheater, which will hold up to 8,000 seats, is slated to open in 2025 and will be used for year-round programming. The City of Elkhart is developing a plan to enlarge the surrounding area parking footprint to support the project.
Public Space Improvements
Elkhart will explore new ways to activate downtown public green spaces and the Riverwalk. Consideration will be given to the addition of new recreational amenities such as flexible spaces with or without overhead coverage, which could be activated for fitness, events, leisure, pathways, and recreational sports.
Depot Transportation Hub
Elkhart will consider the benefits and challenges of restructuring The Elkhart Train Station Depot as a Multi-modal transportation hub. As part of the exploration process, we will identify current and potential future development needs. This will include permanent infrastructure required to operate a transportation hub to support vehicle and pedestrian transportation such as: buses, train, ride-share, and bikes.
PARKS & TRAILS
Pet Friendly Spaces
Elkhart will explore activities to engage our community pet owners. We will explore new events, pet-friendly businesses hours, and ways to increase outdoor patio dining options. This may include new or pop-up patios at special events. We will also determine current needs for additional water foundations, wateri bowls, and waste stations.
Bristol Street Expansion
As part of the Bristol Street widening project, a multi-use trail will be constructed to support pedestrian safety on this heavily trafficked road. The multi-use trail will run along the south side of the roadway and will run east of Johnson Street and end at CR 15/Cobblestone Crossing. Sidewalks, gutters, and a center turn lane will also be included as part of the project to create a more urban footprint.
Prairie Street Underpass
A new pedestrian-safe underpass will be constructed at Prairie Street to support our growing and thriving Elkhart County trails system. Individuals traveling on the Mapleheart Trail, the Pumpkinvine Trail, or the newly developed River Greenway Trail will have safe access to downtown Elkhart, giving residents and visitors pedestrian-safe access to downtown amenities such as parks, restaurants, the Riverwalk and special events.
Woodlawn Nature Center
After nearly 60 years, the City of Elkhart will design, renovate/update and program the nature park and center. The building needs repair and renovation to adapt/buildout the space to accommodate multi-use programming. An emphasis will be placed on design and programming which will allow the space to be utilized all year.
Mishawaka | Elkhart Connection
Elkhart will explore a multi-use trail connection from downtown Elkhart to Nappanee Street leveraging the Patriot Rail company railway right-of-way. This potential partnership and access to the right-of-way rail lines extends further from Elkhart to Capital Avenue in Mishawaka. With Mishawaka building a multi-use pedestrian trail from downtown to Capital Avenue, via Jefferson, this has the potential to create the first pedestrian multi-use trail connecting Elkhart and St. Joseph Counties.
3rd Street Enhancement
Elkhart will create a multi-use infrastructure plan for 3rd Street, between Harrison and Jackson, to support a pedestrian safe and walkable downtown. Development of 3rd Street may include additional lighting, pathways, retail, and other amenities.
Blueway Connections
Elkhart will explore blueway recreational opportunities and identify public/private partnerships to enhance these options. We will evaluate current and future needs for waterway access points, boardwalks, water activities, and rentals as part of a growing blueway connection plan. Activities such as: canoeing, paddle boarding and kayaking which take advantage of our natural assets. We will enhance the downtown Riverwalk along the west bank for river improvements and provide access to recreational amenities as part of our downtown connectivity.
ARTS & CULTURE
Beardsley Discovery Center at Ruthmere Museum Campus
The Ruthmere campus will soon add a welcome center to improve visitor hospitality. The Ruthmere Foundation is proud to have acquired a property located to the immediate north of Havilah Beardsley House which will join the campus as the Beardsley Discovery Center. The structure once served as an agricultural building for the original Havilah Beardsley Farm. Although damaged by fire in 2020, a feasibility study found the structure to be salvageable.
Wellfield Botanic Gardens Expansion
The Wellfield Botanic Gardens is growing. As part of the master plan, they will construct a new Visitors Center, an open air-pavilion and relocate/repurpose the current visitor’s cottage. The new expansion will improve visitor experience, create new spaces, increase parking, and allow more people to access their existing amenities.
Amphitheater Activation
The Elkhart AMP Group in partnership with the Lerner Theater will co-promote this anchor location as part of the Arts and Entertainment District with performances, concerts, artists, festivals and other events. Elkhart’s Amphitheater will operate with programming year-long and heavily programmed with concerts and community events from Memorial to Labor Day.
NEIGHBORHOOD PROJECTS & PROGRAMS
Woodland Crossing
Elkhart is excited for a 15-acre redevelopment project which will transform The Woodland Crossing shopping center, formerly known as the Pierre Moran Mall. Conceptual plans go beyond the traditional shopping center, including expansion of Goodwill’s Excel Center, which provides job placement and training services. Heart City Health Center is also a partner in the project and will build out a comprehensive healthcare facility. Residential housing, retail, and maintaining anchor tenants are all included in the plans.
Benham West Revitalization Plan
City leaders are partnering with community residents, the Greater Elkhart Chamber of Commerce of Commerce of Commerce and architects at Notre Dame to plan a future revitalization of the historic Benham West Neighborhood. Plans will include Infill housing strategies, infrastructure and zoning needs, investment strategies for current residents, green space, and mixed-use development. Small business development opportunities and home ownership programs will be adopted as part of the plan to support neighborhood re-investment.
VOLUNTEERISM & COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT
Promote a Spirit of Volunteerism
Elkhart will create, share, and celebrate volunteer opportunities. We will help promote Elkhart County’s Acts of Service Volunteer hub and communicate the importance of giving back to the community by connecting with local schools, churches, neighborhoods, and businesses to help recruit volunteers. We will also amplify our Adopt-a-Park program.
ENVIRONMENTAL & NATURAL RESOURCES
East Beardsley Avenue
Elkhart will begin extended remediation project of the former CG Conn Factory site located on East Beardsley Avenue. Residential housing is likely planned for the space and may include a combination of single and multi-family home options.
Climate Action Plan
Elkhart will develop and adopt a formal climate action plan to address natural ecosystems, emissions, and natural disasters. The plan will provide for the adaptation and mitigation of climate risks to support our natural environments by addressing issues of incorporate sustainable land use, resilient ecosystems, natural connectivity, flood resilience, and biodiversity.
Elkhart Round House
Elkhart will conduct environmental studies and manage the remediation process of the former New York Central Railroad Roundhouse. Commercial Development is planned for the area which will support the Benham West Neighborhood Revitalization Plan.
Trees for the Heart Initiative
Elkhart will develop a Trees for the Heart Initiative to increase tree canopy, education, and maintenance of our current canopy. The initiative will support public and private plantings, in addition to a residential educational component on the benefits of tree plantings and cost savings.
Implementing the Plan
This Action Agenda is a community-based plan at its core. Vibrant Communities, supported by the Community Foundation of Elkhart County and the Elkhart County Convention & Visitors Bureau, Inc, came together to fund and facilitate the development of the agenda for the communities of Elkhart County. Vibrant Communities will continue in its role in monitoring and supporting implementation activities.
In addition to their ongoing support, successful implementation will also depend on coordinated efforts of individuals and organizations representing the public, private, and civic sectors across the communities, including:
ORGANIZATIONS
Local organizations have been tasked with a great deal of responsibility in the Action Agenda implementation plan. Through new partnerships and strategic investments of time and resources, these organizations can help implement actions and expand the reach of their network.
PRIVATE BUSINESSES
The Action Agenda reveals a lot about the preferences of Elkhart County. The business community would do well in taking advantage of these preferences through strategic investments. Entrepreneurs may find niche opportunities within the recommendations.
INSTITUTIONS
Through their leadership and resources, local and regional institutions can play a key role in implementation. Their support will help to intensify the impact of each action and forge new relationships with other leaders and organizations.
With the power to shape policy, direct community resources, and represent the public, elected officials have an important role in implementation. The action items show clear evidence of thoughtful and inclusive conversations with the community – one leaders can stand behind with confidence.
