Nixa, Missouri has always been an attractive place to live and visit for residents and tourists alike, mostly because of Main Street and all the unique shops it has to offer.
Downtown Nixa has undergone a lot of revitalization projects and will go through a few more until it’s completely finished, such as the widening of Highway 14. This district is full of history and those tasked with the responsibility of preserving it do so while integrating modern entertainment and thriving businesses.
In this article about Downtown Nixa, Mark Anderson explores the past and current projects in town, and future projects on the horizon.
Past Revitalization Projects of Downtown Nixa
Downtown Nixa was founded in the mid-1800s by farmers and traders and quickly became a stopping point for those traveling to Springfield and the lower James River and Arkansas. The Nixa Downtown Revitalization Committee has focused on maintaining the old style of the 1800s while merging it with new ideas. Some of the past projects completed include:
- Local events for the community
- Creepin’ at the Crossroads
- Sucker Days
- Not Yo’ Grandma’s Bingo
- Little Miss Main Street Pageant
- Taste of Downtown
- Farmer’s Market
- Renovation different downtown buildings
- Updated storefronts
- New water line in 2021
- New electrical boxes for special events on Main Street in 2019
Revitalization Projects Currently Underway
Nixa is currently undergoing a number of restoration projects such as
- Downtown Master Plan
- Widening Highway 14
- New mural for downtown district
- Downtown District Zoning
- Renovation of 107 B S Main
- Additional commercial building plans by investors
These projects currently underway will enhance the aesthetics of downtown, bring more business opportunities to store owners and allow for easier transportation and access to downtown businesses and entertainment.
Future Revitalization Projects Planned for Nixa
Enhancing accessibility to the downtown district is a top priority of the Nixa Downtown Revitalization Committee and they will focus on improving parking, walkability, improving crosswalk safety, landscaping, and increasing the amount of art in the downtown area.
Nixa has partnered with Better Block, an organization that will help to practice some placemaking scenarios (brainstorming where different organizations and buildings could go depending upon different circumstances). This will allow the committee to make the best decisions possible when implementing their 5-year strategic plan to improve downtown.
Many of the current and future revitalization projects set to happen in downtown Nixa include preserving the old memories of a charming setting and holiday parades by utilizing fundraisers and community events that not only generate income for the business owners but help to keep people visiting the area and give them reason to come back again.
Future revitalization projects in Nixa will revolve around increasing the overall business revenue in the district and getting more residents and tourists to go downtown for their shopping, business, and entertainment needs. Nixa has always been invested in successfully maintaining their old downtown area while adapting and merging with modern times.
Summary
Nixa has already undergone a lot of restoration to become what it is today, and it will continue to better itself while exhibiting its old-school charm. The committee focused on revitalizing the downtown area will be continuously organizing community events, working with local businesses, and utilizing architectural design experts to provide the best revitalization outcomes possible for Nixa.
By focusing on increasing parking access, increasing the access to businesses and entertainment to pedestrians and teaming up with placemaking experts to assist with future commercial business placement, Nixa will remain a great place for people to visit and experience.
