In hopes of developing a boulevard concept linking downtown Warsaw to Center Lake, the
Warsaw Redevelopment Commission agreed Monday to a $94,000 purchase of a residence at 321 N. Buffalo St., Warsaw.

The signed purchase agreement means the city now owns a total of four properties on North Buffalo Street. Those properties include residences at 321, 329 and 337 N. Buffalo St. on the west side of the street. The city also holds the deed to the former Indiana-American Water property, which is on the northeastern most lot and adjacent to Central Park.

While city officials are not actively pursuing purchasing additional properties along Buffalo Street, Warsaw Mayor Joe Thallemer said the city would like to work with a developer and continue to look at possibilities that would encourage a downtown link to Central Park and Center Lake. Among the possibilities the city has examined are urban housing units, retail shops, restaurants and a plaza where the boat launch is currently located.

While initial plans were to demolish the old Indiana-American Water building this year, Thallemer told StaceyPageOnline.com Monday that the city is not in any hurry. “That may not be demolished soon just due to the fact we are unsure of the design for the area,” he said. “We may wait to see what the developer comes up with.”

Additionally, because the city is not actively pursuing property acquisitions, but rather only looking at purchasing properties as they come up for sale, there are no plans in the works for the area. For now, the boulevard concept is just wishful thinking based on a 2002 HyettPalma conceptual plan to improve Buffalo Street and tie in with the city’s bicycle friendly initiative. (See related)