City of Hapeville’s Comprehensive Revitalization Program Receives ARC’s 2006 CREATE Community Award

The CREATE Community Awards recognize local government initiatives that promote regional goals in areas such as community involvement, educational excellence, environmental sustainability, and transportation. In 2006, the City of Hapeville was honored with the CREATE Community Award for its Comprehensive Revitalization Program, which aimed to attract new investment to the community.

The program originated from a 2005 Livable Centers Initiative Study conducted by TSW, which helped the city create a proactive approach to the closing of the Ford Motor Company plant. To incentivize investment in transitional neighborhoods, the city modified its residential zoning and increased densities.

Furthermore, TSW developed a new design code that establishes minimum standards for all new residential, commercial, and mixed-use construction. The code has already yielded promising results, as Hapeville is currently working on a $300-500 million mixed-use redevelopment of the Old Fourth Ward, known as Olde Town, that will bring 1,200 new single-family housing units into the city.

The program has also been successful in revitalizing downtown Hapeville. In 2006, Hapeville had several vacant storefronts, but with the help of the program, downtown has become a bustling area with new restaurants, offices, and retail spaces. The revitalization also includes an arts district, which hosts an annual arts festival that attracts visitors from around the region.

Overall, Hapeville’s Comprehensive Revitalization Program has demonstrated the importance of proactive planning and the positive impact it can have on a community. The program has successfully attracted new investment, revitalized downtown, and helped Hapeville achieve its long-term goals.

CREATE Community Awards

2005 Livable Centers Initiative Study,

ARC Awards Innovative Developments, Initiatives Across Region