INTRODUCTION

Purpose Of The Plan

Frankfort’s prosperous past is evident in the grandeur of Old Stoney, the beautiful homes along Clinton Street and the historic buildings around the courthouse square.

The community still holds many attractive new neighborhoods and hosts a successful industrial park. However, changes in agricultural patterns, railroad lines, shopping habits and commuting practices have slowly altered Frankfort’s central business district. Although it is still the cultural center of the city, downtown is no longer the busiest commercial area.

As a result, downtown and the city as a whole has lost both vibrancy and residents. In fact, more than 20 percent of the workforce commute and leave Clinton County each day after work.

The city is now working to reverse that trend.

This plan capitalizes on the energy and vision of Mayor Chris McBarnes and other community leaders who share an unusually strong partnership and equally strong determination “to get things going” downtown.

The plan provides everyone – elected officials, development groups, local businesses and investors – with a shared vision of downtown’s future. This document serves as an advisory tool for the city council, plan commission, city staff, Main Street organization and interested citizens when changes are proposed.

Scope Of The Plan

Downtown is integrated into the whole of Frankfort’s economy, but for this study it was treated as a separate entity. The general study area for this project centered on the courthouse square, which is bordered by Washington, Jackson, Walnut and Main streets.

This revitalization plan unfolds in stages, starting with the main elements – infrastructure, buildings and the economy – and then combines those elements into a unified implementation plan. The plan is long-range in orientation – intended to reach out 10 or more years – but also proposes projects that can be launched today.

Events That Led To The Planning Process

City leaders have been watching downtown’s decline with increasing concern for years, and have been putting together the tools needed to combat it. These tools include a Main Street organization, a redevelopment commission, an effective chamber of commerce and others.

As the revitalization components fell in place, local leaders noticed increased interest in downtown buildings from a diversified group including everyone from local investors to the county commissioners. They realized that downtown needed an overall vision and detailed strategy for revitalization.

This plan addresses those concerns and re-affirms the community’s goals, while providing information for decision making, including current data on infrastructure needs, building conditions and marketing opportunities.