What do we do?

We are involved in projects that promote economic vitality and placemaking in downtown Buchanan. We have taken on a number of projects in these areas including signage, public art, and small business support. Our goal is to build on the efforts that have come before us to make a thriving downtown that locals and visitors alike will frequent and build lasting memories with friends and family.

  • Focuses on capital, incentives, and other economic and financial tools to assist new and existing businesses, catalyze property development, and create a supportive environment for entrepreneurs and innovators that drive local economies.

  • Supports a community’s transformation by enhancing the physical and visual assets that set the commercial district apart and positions the downtown or commercial district as the center of the community and hub of economic activity, while creating a positive image that showcases our community’s unique characteristics.

  • Plans are underway to host and support emerging businesses in downtown Buchanan to provide an additional food/retail space for the community as well as a launch pad for these businesses to be ultimately self-sustained and placed in our community.

US 12 - Redbud Trail Sign

Buchanan is off the beaten path — in a good way, but we’re also right off US 12 where thousands of people drive by every day. We decided to let the secret out about our hidden treasure with a billboard at the intersection of US 12 and Redbud Trail. While researching ideas, Peter Lysy, Library Archivist and Local History Room Manager, found images of a sign that we believe was likely in this same area or close by! Meg Paulette, Library Director and Graphic Designer, used inspiration from this sign along with some from our historic sign collection at Pears Mill to come up with the design.

Status: Near Completion; Fundraising Campaign Complete

Signage at The Common

The Common is a Buchanan icon. Thousands of people arrive every year to enjoy outdoor concerts, community events, and more. Talented artist and Buchanan native, Emma Lysy, has attended many such events and designed a sign to showcase and celebrate what The Common means to our community.

Status: Complete

See Results

Days Avenue Activation

Days Avenue has been integral to the City of Buchanan since our founding when it served as the main road into town from the train station. As such, it boasts beautiful historic homes, wide lanes, old growth trees and is a natural welcome for residents and visitors entering from US 12.  Our plan is to install string lights and public art to encourage pedestrian use and enhance our downtown’s “public spaces for lingering” as referenced in “A Vision for Buchanan,” page 20. This project will add details that will fit in with the future design plans for downtown, visually connect Days Avenue to Front Street, pull pedestrians from downtown shopping to The Common and vice versa, and provide momentum for a growing retail corridor on Days Avenue.

LiveBuchanan is also working with the City of Buchanan to promote food trucks on Days Avenue. Learn more to attend or participate!

Phase 1: Munchie Mondays - Complete | See Results

Phase 2: String Lights - Complete | See Results

Phase 3: Library Art - In Progress (Funded) | Learn More

Creek Passage Alley Improvements

We are speaking with artists to draft a plan for Zen Leaf’s wall facing McCoy Creek in Downtown Buchanan. This wall runs parallel to the creek and is a key crossway through our downtown. The walkway along the wall is lower than the road and takes the pedestrian closer to the creek where you can hear its roar and barely see the road. It becomes a bit of a natural escape even in the midst of the built environment. We are working on plans to re-naturalize the creek to make a better habitat for the native plants and species as well as addressing more design concerns in the area.

In Progress

McCoy Creek Trail Markers

LiveBuchanan is teaming up with Friends of McCoy Creek Trail to design trail markers for the stretch of trail that passes through our downtown.

In Progress (Funded)

Attractions Map — Downtown Buchanan

Emma Lysy is a talented artist and Buchanan native. She has helped us design an attractions map that highlights Buchanan’s charm and attractions downtown. Emma took inspiration from historic maps of Buchanan and aimed our vision down Front Street to give us a map that feels authentic and unique to the town we love. This attractions map will be used to help visually tell the story of Buchanan for way-finding, tourism, and marketing purposes. It’s also just really cool! Thank you, Emma! (Image to the right is a draft. Final product will be released and printed upon completion.)

Status: Completed