Lisa Gilman, center, recently received the Stephen H. Downs Downtown Legacy Award from Downtown Wabash Inc. Photo provided by Downtown Wabash Inc.

News Release

WABASH — Downtown Wabash Inc. and its board of directors announced Lisa Gilman as the 2023 recipient of the Stephen H. Downs Downtown Legacy Award during the organization’s annual meeting Thursday, Nov. 9.

The Stephen H. Downs Downtown Legacy Award was created in 2019 to honor Steve Downs for his years of service to Downtown Wabash Inc. The award is given to individuals or entities that have shaped the trajectory of downtown Wabash. Downtown Wabash Inc. recognized Gilman for investing in the community and acknowledged her commitment to the revitalization of the downtown district.

“It is wonderful to receive an award for something that I’ve accomplished over the years,” said Gilman. “It’s really thoughtful of Downtown Wabash Inc. and is very special to me.”

Gilman and her husband have purchased and renovated several buildings in downtown Wabash and have a commitment to historic preservation.

“I couldn’t have done any of this without my husband,” noted Gilman. “We wouldn’t have anything here if it wasn’t for his hard work to support all that I’ve accomplished.”

Downtown Wabash Inc.’s board of directors, along with Steve Downs, chose to award Lisa Gilman with the Downs Legacy Award for her many accomplishments and devotion to Wabash. From her real estate investments, Gilman has further shaped the community of Wabash by developing upscale housing units, creative spaces and more.

Wabash Woollen Works is among her ventures. Gilman salvaged an 1870s structure slated for demolition, which is now a luxury fiber mill known as Wabash Woollen Works. This space serves as an event venue and creative studio complete with a yarn shop, a banquet hall and educational workshops.

Gilman previously served on the board of directors for Downtown Wabash Inc. and was pivotal in the facade program through the Indiana Office of Community and Rural Affairs Stellar Communities Program.

“Lisa and I both relocated to Wabash around the same time,” said Downtown Wabash Inc. executive director Andrea Zwiebel. “It’s been an inspiration to watch Lisa change the trajectory of downtown Wabash. From her savvy skills in construction to her spirit for volunteerism, she has invested in Wabash. She is a gift to our community.”

After receiving the award during the annual meeting, Gilman reflected on her appreciation for the community and emphasized that she is proud to have planted roots in Wabash.

“Being in Wabash is like having a really huge family,” said Gilman. “It’s a wonderful place to call home.“

The Downtown Wabash Inc. annual meeting is sponsored by Arc of Wabash County and Bellaire Studio, Borders & Beyond Gallery, Wabash Carnegie Public Library and Downs Tandy & Petruniw, P.C.

For more information about Downtown Wabash Inc., visit DowntownWabash.org.