Heart of Jasper Quarter 1 Update
To Our Supporters:
Thank you to our 2024 Sponsors! We saw a growth in new donors both from businesses and individuals. We are grateful for each and every one of you! Please see the update from first Quarter of 2024.
Economic Vitality Projects:
1. Façade Grant Program
Through a partnership with the City of Jasper, Heart of Jasper has administered four rounds of the Façade Grant Program which provides financial assistance for exterior building improvements in the Downtown and Riverfront Districts. The goal of the program is to stimulate retail growth and catalyze investments through enhanced aesthetics. Round 4 of the Façade Grant Program received 2 Façade Grant Applications and 12 New Sign Applications. Heart of Jasper is still accepting applications!
2. Downtown Jasper Social District
The City adopted a DORA (Designated Outdoor Refreshment Area) ordinance in October of 2023. Heart of Jasper and the City spent several months planning for the opening of the Downtown Jasper Social District which officially opened on Friday March 8th, 2024. The Downtown Jasper Social District allows for alcoholic beverages to be carried out of permitted establishments. We encourage you to Wine, Dine, and Walk through our beautiful downtown. For more information, visit: https://www.heartofjasper.org/downtown-jasper-social-district/
3. Heart of Jasper Courtyard
Heart of Jasper is excited to announce a new project that strengthens the ties between the Old Jasper Area, Main Street, and Courthouse Square. The Heart of Jasper Courtyard and Activity Trail is a multi-year effort. The vision is to create a trail lined with activity that will tie the Thyen-Clark Cultural Center to the Downtown Square. Sitting at the center of this trail at 4th and Main is a City of Jasper parking lot which is where we have identified the location of the Heart of Jasper Courtyard. Many formal approvals and funding still need to happen to make this vision a reality.
Design:
1. Astra Alley #2
The Design Committee has plans to complete the second Astra Alley in 2024. We will continue with the Art Deco theme from the first alley. This alley will have hanging string lights and colorful Holiballs hanging from the roof line.
2. Piano Alley (located between Chocolate Bliss and Central Land Title)
Heart of Jasper has a partnership with a team of students from the Luddy School of Engineering at IU. These students are working on sensors that will be installed on the piano keys in the Piano Alley. As you walk through the Piano Alley and step on the sensors, they will play sounds of a piano.
3. Avenue of Flags
Heart of Jasper partnered with the Downtown Jasper Merchants to participate in the Jasper Optimist Club Avenue of Flags program. Twelve American Flags will be placed around the Courthouse Square 6 holidays throughout the year.
4. Flower Pots and Flower Beds
Through a collaborative effort with Green Thumb Landscaping, Jasper Park and Rec and Heart of Jasper volunteers, the downtown flower beds and flower pots will be well maintained! These groups will take care of the maintenance of flowers, mulching as need, and planting annuals in the Spring.
Promotion Committee:
1. Movies on Main
The series of free community movies at the Astra kicked off with the Minions in January, Frozen in February, SOLO-A Star Wars Movie in March, and ET and Space Jam in April in honor of the Total Eclipse.
2. Pamper My Princess Party
This was an event tied with the Frozen Movie. This event was a huge event! Downtown Salons curled hair, there was nail painting, Occasions held a tea party and there were hundreds of little girls dressed like princesses!
3. Community Calendars
Monthly community calendars with all downtown events to be found in one place. https://www.heartofjasper.org/calendar/
Organization Committee:
1. Fundraising Campaign
The 2024 letter campaign launched in February and we have seen a successful number of letters returned. Thank you to our donors!
2. ROJAC and Heart of Jasper Merge
On March 21st, Mayor Vonderheide announced the merge between ROJAC and Heart of Jasper. We are excited about the merge with ROJAC to continue building upon the legacy they built over the last 20 years. We are grateful for this opportunity. ROJAC has set a precedent in the Old Jasper area that we want to continue throughout the downtown and Heart of Jasper district. ROJAC board members are invited to attend the Heart of Jasper board meetings to stay involved with the work happening in the downtown.
Upcoming Events:
Music on Main-live music on the Square. Saturdays in April and May 11-1pm
Shop and Sip-3rd Wednesday of the Month May-December
Downtown Chowdown-1st Thursday of the Month April-October
Family Fun Fest-Saturday June 22nd
Mingle on Main-annual fundraiser Friday October 4th
More details on the events can be found at https://www.heartofjasper.org/calendar/
We would love to hear your feedback, ideas, and/or questions. Please reach out at any time via email at [email protected] or via phone at 812-661-2881. Stay in touch by following us on Facebook, Instagram, and our website at www.heartofjasper.org.
Thank you for allowing the Heart of Jasper team to work with you!
Kate Schwenk
