TERRE HAUTE — Milestones, big and small, are measures of progress for downtown Terre Haute.
As it stands, last week’s milestone — the dedication of a new federal building on the downtown district’s eastern border — was a big one. And its significance can’t be measured just by the size or stature of the building. It’s important to measure the structure by what it houses, and by recognizing that neither the new building nor the retention of a federal court was ever a sure thing for Terre Haute.
The U.S. government is always looking for ways to consolidate services, so when the aging federal courthouse at Seventh and Cherry streets had outlived its usefulness as a court and the first-floor post office, the possibility existed that no federal court building would be in the future for west-central Indiana.
Many influential people — including Indiana’s junior U.S. Sen. Evan Bayh — intervened on behalf of a federal courthouse retaining a physical presence in Terre Haute. The end result is good for this city, as well as the region. The simple but striking structure at 91⁄2 and Ohio streets makes a statement for the future. It’s an important investment in our city that undoubtedly will produce rewards through the years.
Meanwhile, the building vacated by the federal court is certainly not abandoned. In fact, it should emerge even better than before when renovations are completed by the new owner and tenant, Indiana State University and its School of Business. Like the new federal courthouse, the transplanted School of Business represents a sizable investment, and ISU and downtown will reap great benefits from its presence.
These hallmarks of progress, while occurring more often for the city, should not be taken for granted. Terre Haute and its many economic, social and cultural elements have come a long way in a rebirth that began decades ago. It has taken relentless attention to keep the drumbeat of progress loud and strong. May it continue.
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TRIBUNE-STAR EDITORIAL: New federal building another milestone in rebirth of downtown
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EDITORIAL: Noteworthy in the news
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EDITORIAL: Matt Branam: 1954-2012
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EDITORIAL: Pragmatic approach to downtown development benefits community
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TRIBUNE-STAR EDITORIAL: A salute to pride of ’55
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