Creative partners who help tell the riverfront’s story through public art, cultural programming, and experiences that connect people to place.
Collaborators who understand that a vibrant riverfront drives tourism, attracts talent, and creates business opportunities.
Grassroots partners who ensure riverfront planning reflects diverse community voices and needs.
Working together to protect wetlands, restore habitats, monitor water quality, and ensure development doesn't compromise ecological health.
Academic partners providing technical expertise, student engagement, and long-term monitoring.
Riverscape partners with foundations to support the important work of bringing life back to the river.
Partners who recognize the riverfront as a space that supports physical activity, mental well-being, and healthier community outcomes.
Essential collaborators helping improve access, utilities, transportation, and public systems that support safe, connected riverfront development.
These partnerships ensure riverfront planning aligns with local economic development, infrastructure, and land use priorities.
Partners who activate the riverfront through events, maintain access points, and advocate for connected trail networks.

Crowd sitting outside of ampitheater at Fairbanks park for live concer during the day

Train crossing over the river on a bridge

Aerial view of two roads/bridges that crs over the river

A Riverfront That Works for the Economy and the Community

The Wabash River corridor is one of the largest underutilized economic development opportunities in West Central Indiana. Riverscape helps coordinate the planning, partnerships, and infrastructure needed to transform riverfront land into vibrant districts where businesses grow, residents live, and the river remains a defining asset for generations.

Map of Ohio and Indiana showcasing riverfronts in other cities like Cincinnati, Fort Wayne, Evansville, and the opportunity in Terre Haute

Riverfronts Are Economic Engines

Across the Midwest, communities that reinvest in their riverfronts see measurable economic impact. Public access to water, connected trails, and vibrant gathering spaces attract residents, visitors, and private investment.

In Fort Wayne, Promenade Park helped catalyze more than $150 million in nearby development. Evansville’s riverfront redevelopment sparked new mixed-use investment. Cincinnati’s waterfront revitalization reshaped tourism and downtown growth.

Terre Haute and Vigo County have the same opportunity.

But successful riverfront development doesn't happen through isolated projects. It requires coordination between municipalities, developers, infrastructure planning, environmental protection, and long-term community goals.

That's where Riverscape comes in.

THE DEVELOPMENT FRAMEWORK

A Strategy Built Around Three Districts

Riverscape’s planning framework organizes riverfront opportunity into three districts, each designed to create a distinct experience while strengthening the overall corridor.

These districts create a continuous riverfront experience rather than disconnected development pockets.

Gateway District

Located near downtown, this district connects the city core to the river through mixed-use development, public gathering spaces, markets, and signature public amenities.

Potential Opportunities:

Mixed-use residential and commercial development
Restaurants and entertainment venues
Public market spaces
River overlooks and event venues

Community District

This district is a place for everyday activity focused on recreation, retail, and neighborhood amenities that activate the riverfront daily rather than only during events.

Potential Opportunities:

Local retail and dining
Recreation-oriented businesses
Community programming spaces
Family-friendly public spaces

Drawing of open lots in the river distrct part of the river

River District

At the river where nature and living intersect there is an emphasis on trails, housing, and green infrastructure that connect residents to the river while protecting the natural landscape.

Potential Opportunities:

Residential riverfront development
Trail and greenway connections
Outdoor recreation businesses
Ecological restoration and public access points

People working on raised building near the river

Momentum Already Underway

Projects Are Already Moving

Riverfront revitalization in Terre Haute isn't theoretical. Multiple initiatives are already underway across the corridor.

Examples include:

Fairbanks Park master planning
YMCA riverfront renovation
Wabash Valley Crew boathouse
Turn to the River public art initiative
The Mill redevelopment project

These projects demonstrate what becomes possible when organizations, developers, and municipalities move in the same direction.

Riverscape ensures those efforts stay connected.

Development Partnership

Successful riverfront development benefits everyone: businesses, residents, and the natural systems that make the Wabash unique. Riverscape works with developers, civic leaders, and investors to align projects with the long-term vision for the river corridor.

Connecting developers with local partners and municipalities

Coordinating infrastructure and trail planning

Identifying sites aligned with the master plan

Supporting grant opportunities and regional investment strategies

QUALITY OF PLACE

As a hub of activity, West Central Indiana offers a $40 million tourism industry in the Terre Haute and Vigo County area. In 2017, Terre Haute hosted over 130,000 visitors to enjoy its many retail offerings, 127 restaurants and 2,000 hotel rooms. In addition to several parks and museums that can be visited year-round, our community brings together national sporting competitions throughout the year along with a variety of smaller festivals and markets.

Not only do we have great access to many amenities, West Central Indiana boasts one of the lowest costs of living in the state, registering at 4% below the state average. Our national cost of living index is also 15% lower than the national average. This makes living and working in our community an easy decision for anyone to make.

Entertainment and Events

The region hosts a variety of entertainment and events throughout the year, including NCAA and national sporting competitions, performances at venues like Indiana State University and the Terre Haute Symphony Orchestra, and community festivals. These events contribute to a vibrant atmosphere that supports both tourism and local engagement.

Shopping

Shopping options in West Central Indiana range from national retailers at centers like Honey Creek Mall to locally owned boutiques and downtown shops. Residents and visitors enjoy convenient access to everyday necessities alongside unique, locally driven retail experiences.

Dining

Dining across the region features a mix of locally owned restaurants and well-known national brands, offering diverse cuisine options. From downtown Terre Haute eateries to casual dining near retail and lodging centers, the region supports a growing and varied food scene.

Accommodations

West Central Indiana provides a range of lodging options, including nationally recognized hotel brands and extended-stay accommodations. These facilities support business travel, tourism, military-related activity, and visiting project teams.