German American Boulevard next redevelopment project in Jasper

On Monday, Dave Buehler, president of the Redevelop Old Jasper Action Coalition (ROJAC), announced the next project to be completed under the group’s goal to invigorate Jasper’s old downtown.

This is ROJAC’s ninth year as a group that has brought and developed such ideas as the Riverwalk, the Old Mill, the Train Depot and Spirit of Jasper, as well as the Schaefer Barn in a multiphase plan spanning that time. A long time goal has been to continue the development around the Jasper Train Depot connecting it to the Riverwalk and Old Mill.

Buehler revealed that through the financial backing of German American Bank, the group would be moving forward with plans to build the German American Boulevard. This addition to the Jasper Train Depot will run east along the railroad tracks culminating in a large gathering area where it meets with Third Ave. A walkway would cross the railroad tracks and connect to the Jasper Riverwalk and the Old Mill.

According the Buehler the project will be completed by next year’s Strassenfest in time for the group’s ten year anniversary “come hell or high water”.

“This is really a proud moment for our ROJAC team,” he said at the press conference this morning. “We’ve been dreaming about these things. It’s a proud moment for the city of Jasper.”

Mark Schroeder, CEO and President of German American Bank, stated this was a great opportunity to give back to the citizens of Jasper and the surrounding area. “Jasper is home for us and has been since 1910,” He said. “It’s a way for us to be involved in something that a broad base of citizens can use and enjoy.”

Neither Schroeder nor Buehler would comment on the cost of the project.

Jasper Mayor Terry Seitz pointed out the connection to the Riverwalk and other local features. “I love this feature, the simple part of connecting the Riverwalk, the Mill and the all of this (train depot and boulevard) formerly for the first time.”

The Indiana Railway Museum owns the railroad tracks and the right of way along the proposed boulevard. Buehler stated they have requested the plans include an extension of the brick walkway from the train depot to the gathering area. This has been added to the plans that include a pergola covered bench area, formed concrete walls, and the potential for the future development of a veteran’s memorial.  The walkway along the railroad tracks will be lined with light posts with decorative banisters and chains for safety.

Buehler spoke of further developments ROJAC is pursuing. These include an archway with a sign labeled “Old Jasper” that would cross Third Ave. where it intersects Mill St. and a covered market located in the floodway the city is in the process of purchasing on South Main St.

Buehler also stated he envisions a carousel being placed in the area currently being used for the  Jasper Farmers Market.