Terre Haute and Indiana State University officials broke ground today for the Cherry Street Multi-Modal Transportation Facility, a key component of downtown revitalization.
First proposed in the late 1990s, the project is finally becoming a reality "based upon the hard work of Terre Haute people," Mayor Kevin Burke said during groundbreaking ceremonies.
"This building will forever be a symbol of collaboration between the university and the city, and the dawn of a new era in Terre Haute," said university President Lloyd W. Benjamin III.
The project will be constructed on university-owned property between Hulman Center and the Terre Haute Federal Building, which is slated to become the new home of the ISU College of Business. The 216,000 square foot facility will have 628 parking spaces and provide a new covered transfer station for city buses.
Keeping pace with technology on the ISU campus and downtown, the project will feature wireless Internet connectivity.
The city's second multi-level parking structure, the Cherry Street facility is located across the street from the downtown Hilton Garden Inn-Terre Haute House, which is currently under construction.
"This important work builds on the downtown hotel and other projects, including renovation of the Clabber Girl building. The hotel is important for our students and families, for prospective students and for those attending events at Hulman Center," Benjamin said.
The hotel and the new transportation facility will also help the university attract more conferences, he noted.
"My hope is that this is simply one of many ways in which we will work together - the university, the city and the downtown business community - to help bring the vitality to this part of the city that we all want to happen," Benjamin said.
"It's because of who we are and what we're made of that we can get this kind of work done," Mayor Burke said, referring to efforts by city and university officials in overcoming a series of hurdles to secure final approval for the project.
"This is a project that many people thought didn?t stand a prayer, but because of the support of our (Congressional) delegation and because of people who are interested in Terre Haute investing in itself and moving forward, we get to break ground today," Burke said.
Sen. Evan Bayh, a Terre Haute native, helped secure federal funding for the project along with Sen. Dick Lugar and Rep. John Hostettler.
Sen. Bayh was unable to attend the groundbreaking, but provided a statement commending "the tremendous effort" that went into the project.
"The way in which the city of Terre Haute, Indiana State University, and the local businesses joined together to make the Cherry Street Facility a reality was impressive. The success of this partnership demonstrates what we are able to do when we all work together for a common goal, and should serve as a model of collaboration," Bayh said.
"I also want to recognize the broader effort underway to revitalize downtown Terre Haute. This is a testament to the foresight of the Terre Haute community's leadership. There is recognition that critical investments now will ensure Terre Haute's economic development tomorrow."
The project will be constructed of brick and limestone to complement existing campus and downtown architecture. The $13.4 million facility is scheduled for completion in January 2008.
The building was designed by Terre Haute architect Dan Sanders. Rich and Associates of Southfield, Mich. served as architectural consultants. General contractor for the facility is Hannig Construction Inc. of Terre Haute.
Contacts: Peter Ciancone, communications director, City of Terre Haute, (812) 244-2311 or ciancone@terrehaute.in.gov ; Teresa Exline, spokesperson, Indiana State University, (812) 237-3743 or texline@indstate.edu
Writer: Dave Taylor, media relations director, Indiana State University, (812) 237-3743 or dave.taylor@indstate.edu