Case Study: Improving Downtown De Smet

Last year, representatives from De Smet partnered with local architecture/engineering firm ISG, to create a downtown master plan for the community.

The project was led by the De Smet Design Taskforce, which was comprised of a unique cross-section of community members representing downtown business owners, chamber members, tourism representatives, economic development leaders, city officials and other civic-minded individuals.

With plans to make improvements to De Smet’s downtown infrastructure in the coming years, the Taskforce wanted to identify opportunities to enhance the downtown streetscape to provide a safe and enriching destination for residents and visitors alike.

The downtown master plan included input not only from the Taskforce, but also from the greater De Smet community by way of surveys, public gatherings and various user group meetings.

Key features of the master plan included improved pedestrian accessibility and safety, improved lighting, integration of local art, electric vehicle charging stations, and branded site furnishings.  Perhaps the most notable component of the plan included an iconic archway extending over Calumet Avenue – downtown’s main thoroughfare.  The arch, like many of the components of the plan was designed to pull visitors into De Smet’s downtown core, and create a unique and memorable experience.

The plan was broken into phases, and has the flexibility to change priorities over time to take advantage of new funding opportunities or cost efficiencies realized with future downtown construction projects.

For more information on this and other similar projects, visit www.isginc.com.