City, County, RiverSCAPE and THRIVE Launch Riverfront Master Planning Process

Plan will ensure future development and capital improvements align with integrated community and stakeholder vision

November 28, 2023

For More Information Contact

• Lori Danielson, Chairperson – Wabash Riverfront Planning Partnership Steering Committee
• (812.241.7718)
• [email protected]

Terre Haute, IN

The Wabash River Planning Partnership, comprised of the City of Terre Haute, Vigo County, RiverSCAPE and Thrive West Central, is partnering with Stantec, a global landscape architect, design, and engineering firm to develop a community riverfront master plan. The goal of the plan is to inspire and attract investment, spur development, and accelerate enhancements along the Wabash River.

Fifteen years ago, RiverSCAPE created a riverfront development master plan that helped drive numerous enhancements along the river including the creation of the Wabashiki Fish & Wildlife Area, Bicentennial Park, an enhanced trail system, the Riverfront Lofts, as well as other projects. Guided by the success of that plan, in 2022 leaders from city and county government, RiverSCAPE and Thrive established the Wabash River Planning Partnership to create an updated strategic plan that reflects the community’s hopes for its future riverfront development.

“The ultimate goal is to create a vibrant riverfront district that will be unique to the Terre Haute community and all of West Central Indiana,” said Lori Danielson, Steering Committee Chairperson. “A strategic planning process like this builds upon both past and present efforts. We want the plan to be a framework to guide investments and real estate development, provide operational and governance systems, steer land conservation, and inspire recreational and entertainment experiences for the next 10-20 years.”

Prior to selecting Stantec, the partnership conducted a national search for a proven and experienced planning partner to guide the plan development. Stantec was chosen because of its extensive work in community development including riverfront master plans, in both large and mid-sized communities including Ft Wayne, Mishawaka and Indianapolis.

In addition to selecting Stantec, the Partnership anticipates that the US Army Corp of Engineers will provide planning expertise and contribute up to 50% of project planning costs. “Having the expertise of both the US Army Corp of Engineers and Stantec on this project will be incredibly valuable,” commented Mayor Duke Bennett. “We’re fortunate to have these resources coming to our community to support this planning effort,” agreed Commissioner Mike Morris.

The primary project study area consists of approximately 1,700 acres along the east and west sides of the Wabash River, including downtown, Wabashiki Wetlands, north to The Loft apartments and running just south of I70. In future phases, the secondary study areas will expand north on both sides of the Wabash River.

During Phase 1 of the Discovery work, Stantec completed a site analysis and inventory of past planning and design efforts. Beginning November 28, they will launch community engagement efforts including workshops and surveys to solicit input regarding the vision, goals, and ideas for the study area. Results of that input will be shared throughout the planning process.

“We can’t accomplish this plan without extensive input from across our community including residents, property and business owners, community organizations, government leaders and more. We intend to be very transparent about the feedback we receive,” said Danielson. “The totality of this feedback will drive the formulation of the plan.” Residents are encouraged to provide their input on riverfront development through a first survey that is open now and can be found by visiting wabashriverscape.org.

The planning partnership anticipates that the community riverfront master plan will take about a year to complete and hope to present finding and recommendations sometime in the second half 2024.

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