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.
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
Design Charrette Report + action plan
Following the design charrette, the team at Michael Baker International prepared a full report and an action plan for the corridor. The action plan compiles ideas, priorities, and feedback gathered from residents, students, business owners, and stakeholders during a two-day public design charrette and community engagement process.
The action plan is not the final design for the corridor. Instead, it is a guide for future development based on the feedback that was received at the workshop.
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PROJECT engagement
tabling events
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 Charrette - September 25-26, 2025
What is a charrette?! A charrette is a 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, and uses sketches, maps, and models to help participants understand and shape ideas in real time. Join us on September 25 & 26, 2025 to collaboratively reimagine the 8th Street Corridor.
The 8th Street Corridor Project is a collaborative effort. Our core project team consists of Downtown Indiana board members, Indiana Borough staff, Stuart Group Consulting and Michael Baker International. The project is guided by a larger working group consisting of IUP students and faculty, 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!