About Us
Community
Our community of Upland, Indiana is thriving, and is home to many great attractions, resources, and amenities. Though there is much more to share, the list below is a good place to start to learn about our wonderful community:
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Total population of nearly 4,000, with a non-student population of roughly 2,000.
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Located less than three miles from Interstate 69, with close proximity to two exits.
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Home to one of the nation's top Christian colleges, experiencing unprecedented momentum.
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Excellent local schools, ranking amongst Indiana's top rural school districts.
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Home to the iconic Ivanhoes restaurant, one of America's top drive-ins.
Node-Place Development Plan
An active downtown is the hub of a healthy community. Development of the downtown node leverages existing parks, buildings, and vacant land with a plan for revitalization. The Main Street Mile Initiative aims to catalyze entrepreneurial energy in downtown with plans for mixed-use retail and office space, public library expansion, micro-retail, restaurants, and creation of robust entrepreneurial programming in conjunction with Taylor University’s Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship.
The area near Taylor University’s campus is the second node in the development plan. Here, the Main Street Mile Initiative aims to create a destination through hospitality including the construction of a collegiate inn and event venue, guest cottages for short term rental, and a low-maintenance residential community targeted to individuals 55 and up.
In between the nodes, Main Street revitalization will leverage $18.2 million in INDOT street and utility upgrades, address the housing shortage with 28 apartment homes and 22 single family lots, and enhance recreational opportunities through trails and a community park. The Main Street Mile Pedestrian Connector will link Downtown and Campus with an eight-foot-wide, lighted sidewalk improving health and wellness opportunities as well as access to area businesses.
Ongoing Programs
Construction is only one aspect of the Main Street Mile Initiative. Ongoing programing supports local improvements and long-term sustainability. The Main Street Beautification Grant program is already underway to provide incentives for private property improvements, and Taylor’s Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship is providing business planning support and education. In the future, the Main Street Small Business Revolving Loan Fund will be established, as well as a community benefit fund.
Background and Process.
Initial planning for the Main Street Mile Initiative lasted two years and involved over a dozen community outreach events where insights were collected from more than 1,000 community stakeholders. Marsh Collective, a nationally recognized planning firm, led the study which identified several key development opportunities that will help the Town of Upland to thrive, as Taylor University continues to experience record growth and enrollment.
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Partnership with Town of Upland
The Main Street Mile Initiative is integral to the Town of Upland’s Master Plan and strategy to facilitate economic growth and community well-being. Currently, Taylor University has a direct annual local impact exceeding $70 million. With the development of this project, the investment impact on the local community is expected to exceed $300 million annually.