Batesville Downtown Action Plan

Belinda Stewart Architects, in collaboration with Mississippi Main Street, community officials, residents and business owners, developed ideas for the restoration and beautification of the city square to ultimately create a Downtown Action Plan. The goal was to provide tangible actions to take advantage of the positive aspects of the square while using the guidelines of Batesville Main Street’s mission.  Batesville’s downtown square is unique.  Many towns have developed in a similar manner around their train depot, but few have provided as much width between the fronts of the buildings on both sides of the square with the railroad track dissecting the square. This uniqueness helps reinforce the character of the “square”; making Batesville Downtown extraordinary. The goal for revitalizing Downtown Batesville is not only to preserve the buildings, but also to improve business and increase visitation and vitality to the city center.

One aim of the Action Plan was to address the pedestrian view and experience of Downtown Batesville. Improving and widening sidewalks, adding landscape, and improving storefronts bring a livelier and more welcoming perspective. These improvements were explored in perspectives as well as planning exercises, signage, lighting and overall image through branding were also addressed.