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WALNUT STREET
Muncie, IN
The Walnut Street revitalization project transforms the public use of the downtown corridor into a fully accessible, pedestrian-oriented public space that enhances connectivity, manages stormwater sustainably, and strengthens community engagement and civic pride in Muncie.
2014-2017
Flatland Resources has led feasibility studies, planning, design, and construction oversight for multiple dam removals and modifications, playing a central role in restoring the White River’s ecological function and improving its safety and accessibility.
PROJECT BACKGROUND
Like many urban areas, downtown Muncie has historically struggled to reinvent itself after the decline of its 1960s-era commercial and retail core. As suburban strip mall corridors developed and attracted popular businesses and shopping centers along exurban routes, economic activity shifted away from the city center. As a result, downtown storefronts experienced gradual decline.
Muncie’s downtown revitalization efforts began in the late 1980’s. The master plan of that period, continues to guide the community four decades later. A streetscape installed on Walnut Street in the 1990’s became problematic for car parking and outdoor public events. The City hired Flatland Resources to design an upgraded streetscape that would accommodate auto parking and flexible dining and public events with no curb hazards. The solution was to invert the road drainage from collecting along the curb line to a slot drain in the center of the street. An entirely curb-less design prioritizes pedestrians and flexibility.
The design included integrating stormwater improvements in the pavements. Flatland took on this project with the intention of not just improving user experience but also incorporating the necessary infrastructure to separate the existing combined sewage overflows in one cohesive design. FlatLand navigated the complexities of 100-year old infrastructure conflicts with new storm and sanitary infrastructure. Key elements in achieving these design goals include conversion of many one-way streets to two-way travel, elimination of obsolete traffic signals and incorporation of bike lanes in the downtown area.
This reimagined Walnut St. enables streetscape closure and complete accessibility which expand downtown Muncie’s public programming capabilities and contribute to the ongoing revitalization of downtown. These impacts are reflected in the significant increase in community engagement, with greater attendance, cultural activity, and a renewed sense of civic pride in the local fabric. A project outcome was seen by the increased occupancy of first floor spaces in dynamic restaurants and retail replacing static offices.
PROJECT PERSONNEL
PHIL
project lead
DAVID
project manager
+project designer
The logistics of a 3-year road closure project was daunting with the requirement to keep access to all business’ front doors through duration. Long before construction on this project began, Flatland held many meetings constituents to solidify the redesign of Walnut Street. Once construction began, Flatland held weekly progress meetings with neighbors plus making themselves available on a moment’s notice. This matters given the endless unforeseen conditions that were discovered buried in a 150-year old street. The demeanor of the FlatLand team defused many emotional moments. The project came in on budget as a bonus.
- Vicki Veach, Muncie Downtown Development, Executive Director
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