With the arrival of a large mass merchandiser at the outskirts of Holton a number of years ago, the death of the downtown business district was predicted. For several years the business area known simply as the square was in steady decline. In addition the City Hall. a prominent structure on the square burned down. In 1990 a revitalization plan began to take shape. This plan with its cornerstone, Heritage Walk was conceived, endorsed and adopted by major downtown stakeholders and the city management. This revitalization of the square commenced with a group of concerned citizens, businesses and public officials.
Heritage Walk was a key element in this revitalization plan, with the goal of restoring and recreating the latent pride of the community through citizen based initiatives. To be achieved without taxes or expense to the merchants who were already under pressure to remain viable.
Goals established for the project were;
The Heritage Walk project includes completely reconstructed sidewalks, installation of vintage lighting, park benches, and ornamental trees around the entire downtown square. Financing has come through the sales of personalized engraved bricks which are incorporated into the reconstructed sidewalks thereby creating an enduring memorial to the bricks subscribers. The rehab plan was further enhanced when three major downtown businesses committed to major vintage era appearance changes, complimented by the substantial new City Hall which also reflects the matching vintage decor.
In June of 1992 the first segment of the Heritage Walk streetscape project was completed on the south side of the square. The west side followed in late 1993 and the north side in 1996. The east side is nearing completion. The total cost for all 4 sides is nearly $165,000, all of which was obtained via donation or through the buy-a-brick program. With over 3200 personalized bricks incorporated in the sidewalk this represents in excess of 2100 individual subscribers, demonstrating wide community support.
Confidence in Holton's future is being demonstrated by its citizens now virtually every where you look. Several new churches, an amazing number of ageing homes have been restored, landscaped and painted, giving the town a look of new found caring and civic pride.
The downtown, where visitors and newcomers get their first concentrated exposure to the town, sets Holton apart from most rural communities. Pride and confidence in Holtons future is evident in the more than 25 shops in or around the square that have undergone major improvements since the project started 5 years ago.
Holton's downtown is a pleasant place to be, to shop, to visit or simply sit and watch the world go by; (on one of the many merchant provided benches). Handicapped entrances have been added, making downtown more accessible to all.
Holton has gained a reputation throughout the state for its downtown improvements. At least 4 other Kansas communities have made inquiries to adapt our idea into their own community.
 | The Heritage Walk project has had a visible impact on Holton's present quality of life , and on its future. Commercially, Holton was recently identified as Kansas' Little Giant in attracting outside retail trade, ranking 2nd to only Hays in 2nd class cities. As the project nears completion, we expect more visitors and future residents to discover Holton. As the project nears completion, we expect more visitors and future residents to discover Holton. |
prepared; 2/14/97