8th street initiative
Connections that Count
About the Project
The 8th Street Initiative aims to create a physical connection between the IUP campus and downtown Indiana via 8th Street between Philadelphia and School Streets. This is a logical connection as it is the closest, most intuitive route between the campus and downtown. The need for a connection has been recognized in other planning documents, and has been highlighted again in INDIANA2030: Tomorrow Together. This project is being conducted in partnership between Indiana Borough and Downtown Indiana, Inc.
The connection lacks appeal, complete streets, and an identity. Our hope is to create a complete street, with safe sidewalks and lighting, inviting a physical connection between IUP and downtown Indiana.
Existing Conditions
PROJECT details
2025 Outreach & Engagement
engage with us!
Members from our project team will be at the following events with information about this project:
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July 10, 2025 - Downtown Indiana Taste & Tour
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July 17, 2025 - Third Thursdays at IRMC Park
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August 2, 2025 - Farmers' Market
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August 10, 2025 - Italian Festival
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August 16, 2025 - Third Thursdays at IRMC Park
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September 3, 2025 - Downtown Indiana Community Connection
Design Charette - September 25-26, 2025
What is a charrette?! A charrette is an intensive, collaborative planning workshop where stakeholders, community members, designers, and planners come together to develop a shared vision for a project. The process emphasizes participation, transparency, and visual communication — often using sketches, maps, and models to help participants understand and shape proposals in real time. Join us on September 25 & 26, 2025 to collaboratively reimagine the 8th Street Corridor.
Tentative charette schedule:
Day 1: Exploration, Ideation & Visualization
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Morning: Stakeholder Sessions & Visioning
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Midday: Live Drawing Sessions
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Afternoon: Recap & Synthesis
Day 2: Concept Refinement & Demonstration Planning
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Morning: Concept Testing and Finalization
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Afternoon: Outdoor Tactical Urbanism Demonstration & Open House
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Life-size mock-up of public realm improvements (e.g., chalk-painted crosswalks, bumpouts, benches, temporary planters, hay bale seating)
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Real-world testing of design ideas generated in the charrette
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Get involved!
The 8th Street Corridor Project is a collaborative effort. Our core project team consists of staff from Indiana Borough, Downtown Indiana, Inc., Stuart Group Consulting and Michael Baker International. The project is guided by a larger working group consisting of IUP students, members of IASD, and the broader community. Our group meets biweekly on Fridays. Want to join a meeting? Send us an email at contact-us@indianaboro.com with "8th Street Initiative" in the subject line!
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