Context

Historical Background & Critical Points Timeline

1818- 1840s

Settled by Quakers from North Carolina in 1818 Richmond. Impetus to the settlement of Richmond, and Wayne County, was provided in the 1830’s by the completion of the National Road as America’s first interstate highway connecting the east with the heart of the United States. The road was nicknamed as the “Main Street of America”. By 1840, Richmond was incorporated as a city. In the period up to 1850, the population of Richmond and Wayne County increased partly due to the protection afforded to slaves escaping from the Southern States by the northern settlers. Richmond became an integral part of the Underground Railroad with residents helping southern slave’s stopover before heading north to freedom.

1850-
1890s

The Quaker kindness attracted many former slaves to stay in Richmond making Wayne County the home to the largest black population in Indiana in 1850. Rapid growth occurred with the development of the rail opening broader markets for Richmond and Wayne County. By 1853, Richmond was linked by railroads connecting the city to the larger cities of Indianapolis and Cincinnati. The provision of such access to national and international markets spurred the growth of engineering and commercial business and the demand for skilled labor. The "mix" between farm activity and factory production led Richmond into a leadership role in East Central Indiana. Railroads significantly influenced the location and growth of industry in Richmond.

In 1860, Wayne County led the state in the number of persons employed in manufacturing, with iron fabrication, metal working, and lumber providing the basis for most of the industry in Richmond. Richmond continues to grow to a population and government activity. By 1873, the county seat had been relocated from Centerville to Richmond. E.G. Hill, of the Hills Floral Group, started the rose business in Richmond in 1881.

1920-
1930s

At the turn of the century, Richmond was home to several thriving industries: Starr Piano, McGuire Lawnmowers, Hills Roses plus several casket manufacturing companies. Public services improved with the industrial prosperity and Richmond continued to grow with the pace of technology and its ever-growing population. Richmond was home to one of the first public libraries, housed multiple banks and had many hotels for travelers. In 1905, Reid Memorial Hospital opened its doors.

During this period of time Richmond was the second largest automobile manufacturer in the state. Three companies located in Richmond - Westcott, Pilot, and Davis together produced more than 3,000 automobiles in 1912 alone. The Westcott Motor Car Company eventually relocated to Ohio and Richmond’s remaining manufacturers following the industry trends began to make only the automobile parts.

1930-
1950s

During World War II, many of Richmond’s private industries shifted to war production. The war brought an end to the economic depression of the 1930’s and a return of prosperity. The war forced businesses and companies to change to other products from those previously manufactured. Examples included the Starr factory that began manufacturing armor-piercing bullets and the Crosby factory that made other war materials. The production of war goods not only helped to meet the military demand but also caused migration to the area due to the availability of new jobs. In the post-war period, the city of Richmond consolidated its position as a regional economic center and reflected in its position with the new airport located just south of the City.

1950-
1960s

In the 1950s outward development encroached into accessible unincorporated areas that were once exclusively rural and used for farming. From 1950 to 1960, Richmond’s population increased by 10.4% peaking ar 44, 149 residents. However, from 1960 to 1990, the population steadily decreased from its peaks. As the population of the city declined, the population density of the city has decreased as well, resulting from the expansion of the city limits and the migration of residents away from the central area to the fringe areas. In 1968, a devastating explosion and fire ripped through the downtown causing an estimated $15 million in damage to the Main Street area.

1970s

The Promenade was built and dedicated in 1972 to jumpstart redevelopment. Higher education continued to expand with the opening of Ivy Tech State College in 1976. Indiana University East also found a new home located near U.S. 27 North and Interstate 70. The current facility housing the Morrisson-Reeves Library was built in 1975. The Reid Hospital expanded with the addition of Leed Tower also in 1975.

1980-
1990s

Richmond Renaissance - In spite of efforts by the City Redevelopment Commission the downtown continued to decline both economically and physically until a broad-based group of concerned citizens formed Main Street Richmond Wayne County in 1987. In 1997, Main Street was reopened through the downtown area for easier access to the businesses.

2000-
2013

Richmond civic leaders and stakeholders continued to undertake city reinvestment efforts. The city completed a Comprehensive Plan (2009). In 2012, Richmond was selected as an Indiana Stellar Community Pilot Program finalist and completed a Strategic Investment Plan (SIP). The City of Richmond initiated a Downtown Development Plan in 2012 to prioritize activities to create a vibrant Main Street that attracts business, residents, and visitors. In 2013, Richmond received Stellar Designation and begins the planning and implementation of strategic investment plan strategies.

Richmond: Positively Stellar!

Population

Richmond experienced steady population growth until its peak in 1960 with 44,149 residents. Recent demographic data indicate a decrease in the city’s population from 1980 13.3%. This decline is a comparable to overall county demographic trends, which show population dropped by 11.9%. Conversely, Indiana’s population estimates indicate an increase of 20.6%.

Historically, Richmond has remained a predominantly White community (90.1% in 1980 and 84.7% in 2012). The 2014 American Community Survey data showed of Richmond’s total population, 7.3% are African-American while the remaining 8% are classified as Other Races. Additionally, Richmond experienced an 75.5% increase in the percentage of its population 25 years and older with a college degree.

Poverty

In 1980 approximately 13.6% of persons were living below the poverty line. The percentage of persons living below the poverty rate increased over the past 30 years to 27.9% by 2014 estimates. This change is an increase of approximately 105.1%. In comparison to recent (2014) Wayne County and state estimates, Richmond has a slightly higher percentage of its persons living below the poverty line (21.1% and 15.5% respectively). However, recent estimates indicate the percent of people living below poverty increased in the city, county, and state since 1980.

Income

Richmond’s median household income decreased to some extent throughout the past thirty years by 23.4%. This is comparable to the county which experienced a decline of 13.1%. The median household income for Richmond in 2014 was estimated at $29,802. This is lower than that of the Wayne County ($37,931) and the state ($48,737).

Richmond: Socioeconomic Characteristics of Decline

Population
    1980
    2015
    % Change

Race/ethnicity, 2014 (%)
    White
    Black
    Other

Poverty (%)
    1980
    2014a
% Change

Median household income
    1980b
    2014
    % Change

Educational Attainment
(4 yr) College degree (Pct. of
Pop. 25+)
    1980
    2014
    % Change

Richmond
41,349
35,854
-13.3%

84.7%
7.3%
8.0%

13.6%
27.9%
+105.1%

$38,883
$29,802
-23.4%

10.2%
17.9%
+75.5%

Wayne County
76,058
67,001
-11.9%

90.2%
4.6%
5.2%

11.2%
21.1%
+88.4%

$43,628
$37,932
-13.1%

5.3%
10.2%
+92.5%

Indiana
5,490,224
6,619,680
+20.6%

84.4%
9.1%
6.5%

9.7
15.5
+59.8%

$47,974
$48,737
+1.6%

7.2%
28.1%
+290.3%

Source: 1970 Census of Population, PC(1)-C1 "General Social and Economic Characteristics", Table 182. 1980 Census of Population, PC80-1-C1 "General Social and Economic Characteristics", table 245.U.S. Census Bureau, Census 1980 Summary Files 1 and 3. U.S. Census Bureau, 2008-2012 American Community Survey Table S1701. U.S. Census Bureau: State and County QuickFacts, 2014. Data derived from Population Estimates, American Community Survey, Census of Population and Housing, State and County Housing Unit Estimates, County Business Patterns, Nonemployer Statistics, Economic Census, Survey of Business Owners, Building Permits. STATS Indiana, using data from Population Division, U.S. Census Bureau. Minnesota Population Center. National Historical Geographic Information System: Version 2.0. Minneapolis, MN: University of Minnesota 2011.

a. Poverty figures for 2014 were the most recent data estimations from the US Census Bureau’s American Community Survey, 2010-2014 Table S1701 estimations provided for the specific geographic area.

b. The Median Household dollar amounts reported for 1980 are values that have been converted to constant 2014 dollars according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Consumer Price Index Inflation Calculator, available atwww.bls.gov/data/inflation_calculator.htm.

c. Educational attainment figures for 2014 were the most recent data estimations from US Census Bureau’s American Community Survey, 2010-2014 Table S1501 estimations provided for the specific geographic area.

Housing and Quality of Life

Three issues of major concern to Richmond officials: 1) Housing maintenance, 2) housing opportunity for aging populations, and 3) quality of place. The majority of the city’s 17,577 housing units (72.4%) were built prior to 1970 and approximately 30.9% were constructed before 1939. As a result an older housing stock, Bedford must address issues of housing maintenance and repair, as well as the necessity to adapt structures to the needs of modern life. Since the homes are mature they require maintenance costs that are not always feasible for homeowners with limited income streams. Richmond officials were also concerned with the city’s historic housing stock, particularly in its Vaile neighborhood. In addition, rehabbing and maintaining properties deemed as certified historic structures are expensive and labor intensive. Affordable housing developers that undertake historic rehabilitation or build in historic districts are subject to standards set by the Secretary of the Interior, along with state and local laws. For instance, many historic houses require lead paint remediation and new plumbing and electrical wiring.

Community leaders were also worried about current and future housing opportunities for its senior populations and quality of life. According to the most recent US Census, estimates 16.6% of the population is over the age of 65. Most senior households reside in single-family homes, and housing maintenance may become a challenge. Additionally older residents may face physical design barriers of traditional housing models that may make mobility challenging.

Based on age and condition of its housing stock, Richmond officials sought assistance in 1) maintaining the character and investment of their Vaile and 10th street neighborhoods, 2) allowing its residents to age in place, and 3) enhance the quality of life for all residents. In 2006, the Comprehensive Plan for Richmond was completed. Since then, the city’s Comprehensive Plan has been updated three times: 2009, 2011 and 2013. Numerous goals from the Comprehensive Plan have been completed including, but not limited to, the completion of a downtown master plan, creation of new zoning and subdivision ordinances, new transportation plan, new park master plan and a neighborhood development plan for North Richmond.

Community Economic Development

The city also suffered from the decline in its downtown business district over the past three decades. This decrease created challenges of business retention and attraction. Prior to the 1960s, the downtown area was the center of commerce. With the advancement of retail shopping centers and big-box retail, the downtown area began to decline slowly. In 1968, a devastating explosion and fire ripped through the downtown causing an estimated $15 million in damage to the Main Street area. Fourteen square blocks of the downtown were severely damaged including one block that was destroyed. In the aftermath of the explosion, downtown Richmond’s image suffered a devastating blow as disenchanted retailers, began to relocate to newly developed malls on the city’s east side. Concerned citizens soon realized that contingency plans had to be implemented to restore and revitalize this devastated area. Community leaders and the City Redevelopment Commission explored the concept of putting a pedestrian shopping mall downtown, which would result in closing a section of Main Street to through traffic. To jumpstart redevelopment, the project known as The Promenade was built and dedicated in 1972.

After five years, the Promenade quickly fell into disrepair due to city budget constraints and urban flight. During the 1970s, several significant new structures were built in Richmond. In spite of efforts by the City Redevelopment Commission the downtown continued to decline both economically and physically until a broad-based group of concerned citizens formed Main Street Richmond Wayne County in 1987. Main Street Richmond Wayne-County implemented a revitalization plan based on the National Main Street Four-Point Program. Several economic revitalization issues regarding the downtown continued to plague reinvestment. The lack of reinvestment resulted in the decision by the city to commission a downtown redevelopment strategic plan in 1995. As a direct of result of this; in 1997, Main Street was reopened through the downtown area for easier access to the businesses.

More recently, city and county officials, worried about the economic future of the region, felt it critical to take action to implement a cohesive strategy. Local retail market conditions, in conjunction with a lack of an aggressive redevelopment of downtown and inappropriate land uses [Rumpke, Wayne County Jail and outdoor advertising] contributed to the constant challenges for successful downtown retail. These conditions have negatively affected the economic viability of retail and entertainment destinations in the downtown. With leadership from regional stakeholders such as the Economic Development Council of Wayne County, city and county leaders began working to provide ways in which 1) Increase the number of individuals living downtown and create a critical mass of people to support downtown businesses, maintain the downtown and increase property values/tax base; 2) Provide quality of life amenities for businesses, residents and visitors that will include safe pedestrian and bicycle facilities to encourage wellness, fitness, and commerce in and between the districts in the center city; and 3) Provide quality of life amenities that support downtown living, business investment, and tourism in parks and improved infrastructure.

With these goals in mind, Richmond civic leaders and stakeholders continue to undertake city reinvestment efforts. The city completed a Comprehensive Plan (2009). In 2012, Richmond was selected as an Indiana Stellar Community Pilot Program finalist and completed a Strategic Investment Plan (SIP). The City of Richmond initiated a Downtown Development Plan in 2012 to prioritize activities to create a vibrant Main Street that attracts business, residents, and visitors. In 2013, Richmond was named a Stellar finalist and updates their SIP. That same year the city receives Stellar Designation and begins the planning and implementation of strategic investment plan strategies.