Muncie celebrated recent improvements downtown with the release of a video highlighting the changing culture of the city.
DWNTWN, Downtown Muncie's development campaign, premiered "DWNTWN: The Next Muncie" at the beginning of September. It opens with the question, “When did this place become a part of you?” and follows three different story lines featuring a dancer, a young couple and the staff of a local digital design studio as they work in the city that is “coming alive.”
Muncie Downtown Development Partnership started the DWNTWN campaign about three years ago.
Cheryl Crowder, events coordinator for MDDP, said the campaign was created to show how Muncie has grown and to help the city improve. DWNTWN's mission is to “create a downtown environment that results in sustainable economic and cultural growth," according to their website.
Thirty businesses have opened or relocated to downtown Muncie in the last two years, according to the Muncie Journal. Residential occupancy has reached 99 percent, and commercial space occupancy is at 88 percent.
Crowder attributes this growth in downtown residents to Muncie's affordable neighborhoods, the accessibility of shops and the multiple housing options.
Muncie Mayor Dennis Tyler said both residents and businesses are attracted by the ease of access available in downtown. He said the connectivity draws many people to live and work downtown.
“People want that connectivity," Tyler said. "[They want] a nice place with that connectivity that you can get to places easily."
Muncie has improved its accessibility recently, with the rebuilding of Walnut Street and the improvement of sidewalks to be more handicapped-accessible. The Courtyard Marriott hotel, slated to open later this year, will train and employ people with disabilities.
Tyler said he has seen an increase in Muncie residents' pride for their city. He said he sees greater pride in property and neighborhoods, and noted the emergence of over 200 neighborhood associations.
Downtown Muncie isn't only for the year-round residents of the city. Crowder said there are many attractions that college students can take advantage of, even if all can't participate in the bar scene.
“Traditionally, BSU students discover [downtown] when they turn 21 and can take advantage of the night life," Crowder said in an email. "In the meantime, we have some great all-age events: ArtsWalk, First Thursdays, After Hours Art Reels, Three Trails Music Series, to name a few.”
Lindsey Irelan, a Ball State alum and Muncie resident, said the city is improving and offers more and more opportunities for students and residents. She said the downtown area provides students with a chance to try new things off-campus.
“I definitely think it's a place for college students to ... go off-campus and try a new restaurant,” Irelan said. “We’re definitely taking a step forward for the better just offering a lot more opportunities for the community."
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