It’s natural, and good for history’s sake, to reminisce about a decades-long downtown institution as folks did when the Woolworth’s building came down April 18, 2015 (see story, photos and comments here on WNLP).
But Mayor Blair Milo turned the page Monday, April 20, by revealing a more detailed peek at the future.
Milo posted on her Facebook page an artist’s rendering (above) of “Plaza 618,” the new outdoor community spot that will occupy the former Woolworth’s site at the southeast corner of Lincolnway and Monroe Street.
She included this information: “As we close a chapter in history for a building that held many memories for long timers in LaPorte, it is always important to look ahead to the new memories that will be made and the enhancement and beauty that will be a new part of our downtown, as citizens and visitors will come to enjoy a beautiful plaza that welcomes all to come sit, eat, rest, play, converse, and then visit more of the stores, restaurants, and lovely features of our still historic downtown.”
Milo added: “The funds that have been and will be used for the acquisition of the property, demolition of the building and construction come from the Redevelopment Commission, Urban Enterprise Association and great community sponsors. There has been no appropriation of (city government) general funds toward this project. For clarity, the general fund is where the road paving and other city operational funds come from.”
Some naysayers have already cropped up, saying the corner’s too busy for that kind of plan. Everyone’s entitled to their opinion. But here’s a thought: When former Chicago Mayor Richard M. Daley launched plans for the now-fabulously popular Millennium Park, folks said the city didn’t need another park, that it was in a ridiculously busy spot at the corner of Michigan and Randolph, and it was a colossal waste of money. It is now one of the most visited and most treasured sites in Chicago for both residents and tourists.
What’s to say the same kind of vision can’t be achieved here?
We have rich history in LaPorte — but we also need to make history. Time to take an optimistic step into the future.