OUR MISSION
Empowering the future through the preservation and celebration of its rich history, Historic Marion fosters a sense of place, economic growth and enhances cultural vibrancy in downtown Marion.
OUR VISION
Historic Marion envisions a thriving downtown Marion, Indiana, where the echoes of history resonate in a vibrant downtown. We strive to celebrate dynamic growth, foster economic prosperity and preserve the rich culture.
We're excited to share that Historic Marion has been awarded $30,000 for downtown beautification!
These funds will be used to enhance Marion's downtown square through updates like murals, evergreen trees, arches and wind sails in alleyways, benches, updated waste receptacles, and window clings.
These funds are awarded through the 212° Grant through the Community Foundation of Grant County, Indiana, Inc. and made possible by the City of Marion, IN - Local Government.
Additional financial contributions from our organization, SOS Marion, and an
anonymous donor have brought our total funding to $35,600.
Special THANKS to the City of Marion
and Community Foundation of Grant County
and SOS Marion for all their support!
Thank you for investing in our downtown!
We are thrilled to debut our official logo for
Historic Marion!
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Designed by Peerless Printing & Office Supplies and Kirby Kohlmorgen, this logo depicts the Grant County Courthouse—the heart of Marion's historic downtown. We're grateful for their many hours of work to craft a logo that so perfectly fits our organization!
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Some more info on this logo:
The historic seal style is symbolic of our mission to empower the future of downtown Marion through the preservation and celebration of its rich history.
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The banner text, "A Community Redefined," is our organization's tag line, reflecting our desire to tell a new story for Marion's downtown.
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The bottom emblem depicts a daisy, Marion's official city flower and a symbol of new growth.
The NEWS is in...
Historic Marion is officially becoming a Main Street organization as a member of OCRA's Downtown Affiliate Network (ODAN)!
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We are so excited for this step in our mission to foster a sense of place, economic growth, and cultural vibrancy in downtown Marion. This designation will provide valuable support for downtown through funding, resources and network of other Indiana communities.
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Thank you to the Indiana Office of Community and Rural Affairs for their acceptance of our application, and to our wonderful board for over 200 hours of hard work on this application, and to YOU for your support!
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You can learn more about Indiana Main Street here: https://www.in.gov/.../mains.../what-is-indiana-main-street/
We are following the 4 Point approach
as created Main Street America!
Investing Big in Small Towns
Historic Marion Embraces
Main Street Revitalization
Recently,, Lt. Governor Suzanne Crouch joined Good Morning Grant County and shared the impact that a Main Street organization can bring to a community's downtown! Lt. Governor Crouch is head of the Indiana Office of Community and Rural Affairs, which runs the Indiana Main Street network.
Last week, she shared the news that Historic Marion has officially become a Main Street organization! We're grateful for her support and look forward to working together for A Community Redefined.
Our Strategic Plan
The Main Street Approach - that helps communities leverage both the art and science of downtown revitalization to create a better quality of life for all.
Organization involves creating a strong foundation for a sustainable revitalization effort, including cultivating partnerships, community involvement, and resources for the district.
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Promotion positions the downtown or commercial district as the center of the community and hub of economic activity, while creating a positive image that showcases a community's unique characteristics.
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Design supports a community's transformation by enhancing the physical and visual assets that set the commercial district apart.
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Economic Vitality focuses on capital, incentives, and other economic and financial tools to assist new and existing businesses, catalyze property development, and create a supportive environment for entrepreneurs and innovators that drive local economies.