DWNTWN

By: Jennifer S Gasiorek— Muncie, IN—The Muncie campus of Ivy Tech Community College has been serving Delaware County for over 50 years. As the college looks to aligning programs to fit workforce needs, they will be doing so in state-of-the art facilities. “Our renovations were designed with the students end goal in mind, which is to obtain a high wage high demand job.” said Chancellor Jeffrey D. Scott. “Our community and our students deserve to learn in an environment that…

By: Mike Rhodes— Muncie, IN— Katherine Onieal is very much an entrepreneur, having started a number of businesses in Muncie. She currently owns two businesses downtown: Katherine Onieal Investment Services at the corner of East Jackson and Walnut Street, and the Epic Escape Game, located on Jefferson Street. Onieal has worked downtown since 2008, when her firm of A. G. Edwards and Sons was sold and she needed a new home. In 2012, she started her own firm— Katherine Onieal…

By: Kynda Rinker— Muncie, IN—Wait for me! A phrase heard daily at the Muncie Children’s Museum. For over 40 years, the Muncie Children’s Museum has been providing hands-on, educational and interactive exhibits and programs for children and their families. Located at 515 South High Street in downtown Muncie, the Muncie Children’s Museum is a great place for families to spend time together away from their TV.  Staying true to the mission of the mothers who founded the museum in 1977,…

By: Stephen Mortland— Muncie, IN—Minnetrista is your year-round gathering place! The home of the Ball jar and the Ball family legacy, Minnetrista connects people, encourages engagement, and improves the quality of life of our community. It is rare that a city can boast hosting a forty acre walkable campus directly in their downtown, and we are proud to bring such a unique space to our vibrant city! Brimming with exciting adventures and new possibilities with each new season, there is…

By: Mike Rhodes— Muncie, IN—Established in 1941, Muncie Music Center has been serving musicians, students, and band programs across the state for almost 80 years. Muncie Music Center is a privately owned, independent business and has been in the hands of only three families through the years, two of which were related by marriage. The store was originally located in a historic building in downtown Muncie before moving to a custom-built location just a few blocks away in the 1960s….

By: Judy Benken, Owner Normandy Flower Shop— Muncie, IN—Normandy Flower Shop, Inc. has been a mainstay of downtown Muncie since the late 1930’s. Nick and Meta Mentis were the owners of the shop until 1982, and always offered fresh flowers, plants and gifts for many occasions. They served Delaware County well for many years. The current owner, Judy Davis Benken, who bought the shop from the Mentis’, is a third generation florist, having grown up in Muncie at Paul’s Flower…

By: Kim Miller, Tribune Showprint— Muncie, IN—Tribune Showprint is a 141-year-old letterpress shop located inside Madjax. It is the oldest continuously operating letterpress shop in the country and it has always been in Indiana. The shop has had five owners over the years who have all specialized in making posters. Tribune Showprint has printed showcards for countless politicians, fairs, carnivals, races, auctions, musicians, sporting events and movies. Some of its more famous clients have included B.B. King, The Jackson Five,…

By: Vera Mae’s Bistro— Muncie, IN—Vera Mae’s Bistro offers upscale fusion cuisine borrowing from the rich traditions of Europe, Asia, and the new world. Opening its doors in 1999, Vera Mae’s began its story as a lunch delivery and catering business through its South Walnut street storefront in downtown Muncie. Owner Kent Shuff pioneered the revitalization of Muncie’s historical district and later expanded the restaurant in 2002. Formerly Ballard Hardware, Kent and co-owner and partner, Steve Fennimore created the Ballaird…

By: Kristen McConnell— Muncie, IN—The YMCA of Muncie was established in our community 144 years ago. During that time, we have developed and adapted to serve the changing needs of our community. From providing youth swim lessons to serving our senior population, the Y is a place where all ages, abilities and incomes are welcome. The Y strives to remove barriers to participation in membership and programs, offering financial assistance through funds raised by the community through our Annual Campaign….