MUNCIE – A multi-faceted, multi-year effort to get more people to visit downtown Muncie and visit retail shops and restaurants has entered into a new phase. The Muncie Downtown Development Partnership has launched its regional campaign called “Embrace the Original.”

In 2013, MDDP launched a campaign to get residents to invest in the heart of the city. A second campaign, initiated in 2015, then asked residents to provide feedback on what the area, branded as DWNTWN, should be.

The broader campaign is geared towards attracting people to eat at restaurants and bars, supporting local retail shops, and enjoying its trail system and parks.

“This campaign celebrates the resilience and originality of DWNTWN,” said Nick Tokar, president of the MDDP board. “DWNTWN is a destination for exploring the arts, discovering new things, and making memories.”

MDDP says despite the economic downturn because of the pandemic, DWNTWN is continuing to grow with business and activity.

The area is home to 23 bars and restaurants, 26 unique retail shops, 23 entertainment and arts venues, and over 50 days of annual events.

It says as a result of the campaign, the downtown region has generated the most tax per acre than any other area of the city.