Esser's Plaza renovation
This community seeks assistance for a renovation project that will replace a deteriorated and unsafe plaza with an attractive and welcoming one in hopes it will engender a more positive sense of the neighborhood and offer a community gathering space for residents and visitors.
Why It Matters
The goal is to replace a deteriorated and unsafe plaza with an attractive and welcoming one. The improved plaza will engender a more positive sense of the South Side neighborhood from motorists and pedestrians who are just passing through and offer a restful place and a community gathering space for residents, shoppers and tourists. It is hoped that a renewed plaza will foster economic growth on the main street by making it more attractive to businesses. The plaza will serve the 5500 residents of the South Side Flats, employees of neighboring businesses and visitors drawn to the South Side. A senior citizen center is close by on the north and a playground abuts the plaza on the south so it could bring many diverse ages together.
The Impact
“The community is struggling a bit right now. The empty storefronts that began appearing over the past five years multiplied over the past year due to Covid stresses,” said project nominator and representative with the South Side Community Council, Barbara Rudiak.
A beautiful 150-year-old building, that once was the keynote feature of the western entry into the town, burned down recently. The community needs a spark – and renovating Esser’s Plaza provides the opportunity to reclaim beauty, add vitality and restore connectivity.
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