Downtown Pathways Project
The Downtown Pathways Project is the next big improvement project being planned for downtown Bluffton, Indiana. The goal is to improve 5 key alleyways in downtown from forgotten downtown spaces to actively used pedestrian-friendly spaces! These alleyways are key connections between our public parking lots and the Market Street corridor. Check out this page to get the most up-to-date information about this project and how you can participate in making this project a great next step for outdoor space in our community.
The first phase of the Downtown Pathways Project which will be alleyways 1, 2, and 4 is scheduled to commence construction in October of 2023. Bluffton NOW! will continue the fundraising efforts to complete the second phase which will be alleyways 3 and 5. We are excited to begin construction on this transformational project in our city center.
How Can You Help
We are needing to fundraise an additional $260,000 to help complete Phase 2 of the Downtown Pathways Project. Please help us spread the word about the Downtown Pathways Project to your friends, coworkers, and family. Will you consider financially supporting the project through a tax-deductible donation? If you have already contributed, would you consider increasing your gift to assist in pushing us to our final fundraising goal? With your help, we will continue to improve our city center.
How to Donate
Click Here to download the project donation sheet. Please fill this out and return with your donation. You can make a multi-year donation to the Downtown Pathways Project. Please specify the details on the project donation sheet.
Downtown Pathways Project Sponsor $125,000
Wells County Foundation

In November, the Foundation Board of Directors unanimously approved devoting the $100,000 from the Lilly GIFT VII grant, and an additional $25,000 from the Unrestricted Fund in support of the Downtown Pathways Project. “The Foundation Board recognizes a thriving downtown area is the heart of the community. The downtown Bluffton area is coming back to life and it will serve as a harbinger of larger social, economic, demographic, and technological trends. Through a large grant to the Parlor City Plaza, the purchase of Market Street Centre to house the Foundation office, and now this $125,000 grant to the Downtown Pathways Project, the Foundation is pleased to be a major partner in supporting the continued improvement of the downtown area” said Tammy Slater, Foundation CEO.
Thanks to Patronicity and IHCDA Bluffton NOW! has received a $50,000 matching grant for the Downtown Pathways Project thanks to everyone who participated in making this possible. Your donation has helped to kickstart this great project!

