Construction is ramping up in Elkhart on the Exit 92 streetscape project that will beautify the entrance to the city from the Indiana Toll Road.
Construction began in October of 2023 on a multi-million-dollar project and Elkhart leaders say it’s all part of Mayor Rod Roberson’s “Aspire Elkhart 2024” initiative to revitalize the city.
“This project is a good example that aspire model of where we were putting those dollars, we’re going to put them in places that have the most impact of people really makes of a feel a pride and where they live,” said Corinne Straight, City of Elkhart Director of Communications.
By November of this year, when construction is scheduled to be complete, you can expect to see new sidewalks, signage, improved lighting, seating areas, landscaping, and a park!
The sign will go along the Toll Road overpass, while the park is going on the land northeast of the Cracker Barrel.
The sidewalk expansion will also connect visitors to the many food spots, new park and thousands of hotels rooms near the toll road exit 92.
“An opportunity to kind of sit and pause for a minute look out, but it’s also way for us to market and communicate our branding to the 27,000 cars a day that drive underneath that toll road bridge,” said Mike Huber, City of Elkhart Director of Development Services.
It’s a $7.3 million project coming from Cassopolis Street TIF funds generated by significant investment in the nearby establishments.
Officials say the city really wanted to use those funds generated by the businesses to also support them.
“We see it as a way to hopefully drive and draw folks off of the toll road and into those restaurants and into those hotels and really make sure that again folks have a really positive impression when they come to Elkhart,” said Huber.
“It’s really going to be a nice welcoming place when people get off the toll road,” said Straight.
Elkhart officials say this project has been in talks for about four to five years now, and they are eager for work to be complete.
