Proposed idea of what the alley will look like after the renovation.

WARSAW — The Warsaw Alley Activation project recently received a $1,000 donation from the KCV Cycling Club. This large donation brought the campaign total up to $32,685. The campaign has 11 days left to raise an additional $17,315 in order to receive a matching grant from the Indiana Housing and Community Development Authority.

“Any time we can take a forgotten space and transform it into an enjoyable place that benefits people economically, socially and physically, we all win,” said Greg Demopoulos, president of KCV Cycling Club. “This project falls in line nicely with our mission, which is to help make our community a better place through bicycling. Certainly, the expanded bicycle parking is a nice touch in our eyes, but whether people get there by foot, bicycle or car, the Alley Activation project is another great opportunity to revitalize our downtown and provide a place for people to gather.”

Anyone willing to help turn an an empty alley into a downtown destination can contribute to the cause online. Currently, the alley that connects Buffalo Street with the City Hall Plaza serves as a pass-through for vehicles. The goal is to make this alley an enjoyable place for the community with tables and chairs, landscaping, art, shade and public WiFi. This project is not just about beautification of the area, it’s about improving the pedestrian infrastructure downtown.

Other significant donors to the project include Kosciusko County Convention, Recreation and Visitor Commission, Artfully Warsaw Fund through Kosciusko County Community Foundation, Silveus Insurance Group, Walmart, Kosciusko 21st Century Foundation Inc., Warsaw Community Development Corporation, Wildman Business Group, Centurylink, Kosciusko Board of Realtors, 1st Source Bank and Mutual Bank.

“We would like to thank numerous other members of the community who have made individual donations,” said Justin Taylor, assistant city planner. “Your support has been overwhelming. Every day we are getting closer to our goal but we are also getting closer to the fundraising deadline.”

Donations must be made online by May 5 in order for the project to qualify for the matching grant of $50,000.