Project Evolution

The Craft District Initiative has been developed in collaboration with project consultants from Urban Systems as part of ongoing downtown revitalization discussions connected to the City Plan.

On April 10, 2024, the City hosted a stakeholder workshop where participants took part in discussions, visioning activities, and concept sketching exercises related to the future of the downtown corridor. Efforts were made to invite either the businesses or the property owners on the block by hand delivering invitations. 

On April 11, 2024, an open-house design session was held at City Hall, providing an opportunity for participants to view the concept development process and discuss ideas related to the project. 

Input gathered through these discussions and workshops helped inform the direction and priorities of the initiative.

On August 11, 2025, the City engaged Urban Systems to complete the technical design work associated with Phase 1 of the Craft District Initiative.

On June 24, 2026, the City held a follow-up stakeholder session with property owners and business owners of the project area. Either the businesses or the property owners on the block received a hand delivered invitation or email. Led by the Economic Development Manager and Project & Development Manager, the session gave participants a chance to ask questions, discuss the proposed design, identify potential impacts, and share feedback and suggestions related to the project. Feedback received during the session, along with additional submissions from stakeholders, was received and considered by administration and Council as part of the project's ongoing evaluation.

On July 20th, 2026, the City released a Request for Proposals (RFP) on MERX and on their website for the construction of the Craft District Phase 1. This bidding opportunity closes on August 5th, 2026 at 12:00PM CDT.