Proposed idea of what the alley will look like after the renovation.

WARSAW — The City of Warsaw is using a Patronicity crowdfunding campaign to turn an empty alley into a downtown destination. With 21 days left in the campaign, the City of Warsaw has officially reached the halfway point with $25,355 raised by 68 patrons.

Currently, the alley that connects Buffalo Street with the City Hall Plaza serves as a pass-through for vehicles. The goal is to make this alley an enjoyable place for the community with tables and chairs, landscaping, art, shade and public WiFi. This project is not just about beautification of the area, it’s about improving the pedestrian infrastructure downtown.

“Warsaw is a city on the rise,” said Rob Parker, President and CEO of the Kosciusko Chamber of Commerce. “However, there are few places for the public to gather and mingle in public spaces in the downtown. The Alley Project will address this specific need as well as incorporate bicycle parking that will create an environment that is conducive for people to participate in active transportation, a fast growing trend in our community. We believe this project will create a vibrancy to the downtown that will benefit everyone in our community.”

If the City of Warsaw reaches the $50,000 goal, the donations will be doubled. The Indiana Housing and Community Development Authority will provide a matching grant of $50,000 if the goal is met by May 5.

“We are excited to support Warsaw on this creative, placemaking project,” said Lt. Governor Suzanne Crouch, board chair for IHCDA. “This type of place-based community revitalization is exactly what is needed to create an Indiana with a quality of life for all Hoosiers to live in the communities of their choice.”

Click here for more information about the project and to donate.