POSSIBILITIES…

  • Main Street Pendleton was proud to partner with Ball State University to launch an exciting design studio experience (Landscape Architecture in the Community) to bring fresh ideas and bold creativity to the heart of our community.

    This immersive, learner-led course engaged upper-level undergraduate students in a 16-week exploration of real-time, real-world design challenges found right here in Pendleton. With a strong focus on community engagement and ethical design, the studio empowered students to develop impactful proposals that reflect the spirit and potential of our town.

    Course Goals Include:

    • Empathy-Driven Design Solutions

    • Stakeholder Collaboration

    • Rapid Iteration and Prototyping

    • Conceptual and Visionary Design

    • Graphic Visualization and Modeling

    • Inspiring Civic Engagement

    • Ethical and Sustainable Design Practices

    • Professional-Level Communication

    These emerging professionals, from third- to fifth-year students, worked closely with town leaders, Main Street Pendleton, and the Pendleton Placemaking Committee to identify and explore future-focused opportunities. Among the proposed project concepts:

    • Downtown Infill and Mixed-Use Alternatives

    • Historic Alleyway Revitalization

    • Trail System Expansion and Trailhead Design

    • Creative Floodway Reuse and Landscape Solutions

    • Concepts for a potential Community Center, Event Spaces, and Amphitheaters

    • Ideas for a Central Public Square or Community Green

    • Downtown Revitalization Plan Enhancements

    • …and other innovative ideas!

    The course met weekly on Thursday evenings at Ball State University, with planned visits to Pendleton for site exploration, meetings, and collaborative presentations. Saturday field trips also brought students into the heart of Pendleton to experience its character and connect directly with the community.

    This partnership represents a unique opportunity to imagine what’s next for Pendleton through fresh perspectives, forward-thinking design, and collaborative action.

    To see the final product, please click HERE.