Muncie’s new expansion plans inspired by Indy’s Mass Ave

MUNCIE, Ind. — By the end of this year, Columbus Avenue in Muncie will look completely different with new restaurants, parking and townhomes as part of a revitalization project that’s bringing a little bit of Indianapolis to Delaware County.

The McKinley neighborhood, which is across the street from Muncie Central, is getting a makeover. Columbus Avenue will be completely torn down and rebuilt for recreational use.

“This whole area that we’re working on is an area we’re trying to have a positive impact on,” said Muncie Mayor Dan Ridenour.

Ridenour said he envisions Columbus Avenue becoming just like trendy Mass Avenue in downtown Indy.

With new restaurants, parking, and a lot of greenery, Ridenour said he thinks the plans will revitalize the neighborhood and that he wants to bring the Mass Avenue atmosphere to Muncie.

“It’s got a lot of excitement, a lot of alternatives in terms of food and enterprises and fun things to do,” Ridenour said. “We knew that was something we wanted to do at some point with this neighborhood.”

New townhomes are already under construction, and the plan is to add even more spaces to live in the neighborhood. When asked if this is a big part of the project, Ridenour said absolutely.

“We’re definitely looking more for housing here,” he said. “Seven townhomes will be for sale here, and we’re working with many to put more housing in this neighborhood.”

Once complete, the area will connect to the Cardinal Greenway, a 62-mile trail spanning from Marion to Richmond that goes through Muncie. Ridenour said he hopes this project can restore what the neighborhood used to be.

“We just knew we wanted to help this neighborhood be what it was, and help it be even better,” he said.

The Columbus Avenue project is expected to be done by the end of November, with the townhomes being completed soon after.