The construction work began in June with Pearl Street and will be completed street-by-street over about a 12-block area of the primary downtown spaces, including Market, Main, Meridian and Logan streets, along with some extensions to alleyways beyond those streets and across U.S. 35.

Zellers said efforts to secure the INDOT (Indiana Department of Transportation) grant began seven years ago. Paperwork moved slowly during the 2020-21 pandemic, but still continued in earnest the past five years.

Siteworx in Warsaw is the contractor for the project. (Contractors must be selected from an INDOT-approved list.) Zellers explained town officials and contractors are required to carefully follow the INDOT plans and requirements as part of the grant provisions.

The town manager acknowledged that, as with any construction or restoration project, there are the usual frustrations, disruptions and check-lists to oversee that require much patience. The same is true for business owners along the construction site. Interruptions can never move away fast enough.

As the project progresses, Zellers is meeting with businesses as construction moves to their block to inform them what to expect and answer questions. Every effort is made to facilitate customer access.

“Communication is important,” Zellers says. “I encourage those affected to pick their phone up and call us at the town office (574-946-3451) with any questions or concerns.” He also asks community residents to “please patronize downtown business as construction continues. They need you.”

The project is expected to be completed by mid-November in time for the winter holidays.