Implementation

Stage 1. Initial Planning.
The first year of the program consists of project planning, property acquisition, procurement, grant and contract approvals by all three state agencies, as well as starting project design.

Stage 2. Transitional: Planning to Implementation.
The second year of ISCP entails executing design and environmental assessments. This involves communities shifting from planning into implementation of projects in the target areas.

Stage 3. Implementation and Continuum of Support.
The third year and final stage of the program consists of full implementation and construction of improvement projects in target areas.

Richmond's Planning & Implementation

After a community is awarded the Stellar designation, it enters into the next phase of the process. This phase consists of three stages from initial planning toward implementation in a three-year timeframe.

Richmond completed Stage 1. Initial Planning and is at the present time in Stage 2. Transitional Stage and beginning Stage 3. Implementation. The transitional stage involves executing design and environmental assessments while the final stage entails project construction. For instance, the Downtown WiFi Project, . coordinated by Center City Development Corporation and funded by the Certified Technology Park fund, was completed in 2013. Additionally, in February 2015, Music City Place (a $9.9M adaptive reuse senior housing project) was one of the sixteen successful developments approved by IHCDA to receive the tax credits. The developers, Flaherty and Collins will receive $790,143 in tax credits and $500,000 in Development Fund financing for the Music City Place development. Moreover, the City of Richmond's Stellar Facade Program also began in February 2015.

In September 2015, the 7th Street Park was renamed Jack Elstro Park after City Councilman Jack Elstro who served the city for 47 years. The park's renderings feature a spray pad, performance spaces, and a structure for the city's farmers market. Developers include Rundell Ernstberger Associates and AXIS Architecture who commenced construction in the Spring of 2016. As of July 2016, the site was under construction with the performance structure coming to fruition and foundations have been laid.

A site visit in July 2016 also saw construction on Music City Place with interior work being done along with sidewalk closures. Work on 7th and 10th Streetscapes was still in the planning stages, along with the Downtown Living apartments.

Source: Richmond, Indiana - An Indiana Stellar Community Quarterly Report March 2015 available online at http://us3.campaign-archive2.com/?u=c6450c948189bb2e633be8ad6&id=44c211d289. Sagamore Institute for Policy Research , 2016.

Richmond is currently investing in Owner Occupied Rehabilitation in the Vaile Neighborhood, located south of Main Street. The city has partnered with IHCDA for $5 million in NSP 1 and NSP 3 funds to acquire 25 foreclosed properties and to provide funds to homeowners for home updates.

The research is following Richmond's efforts as it shifts from planning toward implementation and construction in 2016. Research results are forthcoming.

Click here to learn more about Richmond's Stellar Projects.