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NORTH WEBSTER - They've been loose with the French in town lately. A French word, "charrette," that is, used to describe the intense, final effort made by architectural students to complete their solutions to a given architectural problem.
The best part is every resident is invited to become part of the effort by sharing their ideas, ideals and most expansive dreams about the growth of the community.
The charrette, an intense three-day work session for Ball State University architectural students, is scheduled for Thursday, Friday and Saturday.
The students are prepared to interview residents and anyone else interested in the town's future in the north end of Pilcher's Shoe Store.
Under the direction of Scott Truex, the students will assess the wants and wishes of North Websterians and present the interview results, along with architectural drawings of town buildings along with renderings of the views expressed during the previous weekend April 20 at 7 p.m. in the North Webster United Methodist Church on Epworth Forest Road.
The charrette is both the culmination of months of study by the students and the beginning of the North Webster Beautification Project, sponsored by the North Webster and Tippecanoe Township Chamber of Commerce.
The beautification project comes at a time when a long-standing facility, the North Webster Elementary School, is about to be transformed.
The Wawasee School Corporation announced its intention to abandon the building and grounds as a school in 2003.
Its fate has not yet been determined and is the subject of much speculation in the community.
Community groups, not-for-profit organizations as well as the town council and library board have expressed an interest in the property and its future.
The school building's status is just part of the renovation concept, however.
The beautification committee would like to see new sidewalks installed along Ind. 13.
Bike paths and walkways lined with trees and flower beds to connect the downtown area with Ziegler Park are another way to enhance the charm of the town.
The North Webster Park Board recently completed a five-year plan regarding Ziegler Park.
A bandstand could be in the town's future. Several years ago the Pilcher family offered the yard fronting Pilcher Shoe Store as a town park with the provision a bandstand be built.
The Pilchers say the offer is still good and the BSU students will most likely have a bandstand sketch or two to present during their final report.
Of course things like parking lots, additional street lights and public rest rooms are also seen as vital for the town.
The Ball State information will be used by R.P. Murphy and Associates, Larwill, to apply for revitalization grants.
Chamber members encourage residents, business people, civic and religious leaders, elected officials and all interested individuals to speak with the students during their visit to the town.
For more information call Carole Shelby, 453-4192, or Anita Wagoner, 453-4566.
