MU, CFWC holds groundbreaking for phase one of Manchester Mile

Press release & photo courtesy of Manchester University

North Manchester, IN  — Representatives from Manchester University, the Community Foundation of Wabash County, JPR, and the Manchester Mile committee held a groundbreaking for the first phase of the Manchester Mile on Wednesday, May 6.

The Manchester Mile will stretch from the corner of Wayne Street and College Avenue down to Market Street, then to Main Street, directly connecting campus to downtown North Manchester. Phase one of the project will begin in June and is expected to be completed by August. New sidewalks, lighting, seating, trash receptacles, and other facilities will be added.

Phase two will follow in 2028.

This project is funded by Lilly Endowment Inc.'s College and Community Collaboration (CCC) initiative. Manchester University received $12.1 million in 2024 to increase amenities, expand housing opportunities, improve cultural facilities, and offer a safe and attractive connection between the University and downtown.

"This is literally the connector between the community and the university," said President Stacy H. Young at the groundbreaking. "Our hope is that it will bring students downtown and expose them to more of North Manchester, and bring more local businesses to campus. It's going to open a lot of doors for collaboration."