TERRE HAUTE, Ind. (WTWO/WAWV) — Officials in 12 Points are speaking out after three businesses in the neighborhood decided to close in recent months.
A spokesperson with the neighborhood’s revitalization group says the closures are just a small piece of the puzzle.
New businesses have announced they are coming to the neighborhood, construction continues on the new 12 Points Library Branch and events are being planned to showcase all of the exciting things happening there.
“In this area alone, I know that we’ve had three closures for reasons that are not what people believe them to be,” says Delilah Rixner with the 12 Points Revitalization Committee. “The businesses that closed here were all closed because the shop owners had amazing other opportunities, or they had differences of opinions or different things like that. But, there was no financial loss that caused those things to close. We see that with how many businesses are coming into that that there is a good breeding ground for successful businesses.”
New businesses eye 12 Points
Rixner also discussed new businesses that are coming into the neighborhood in the near future.
“We’ve got a cheesecake shop opening, we’ve got an antique store, there’s a venue that is going to be opening soon,” Rixner said. “Plus another building was bought and is beginning construction to open up as well.”
Amosami Cheesecake Company plans to have their Grand Opening on September 30. You can come out to sample hand crafted artisan cheesecakes of all flavors and styles, enjoy specialty coffee and Boba drinks, according to a statement released this week.
Aaron Carter lives in 12 Points. He says he’s excited about revitalization efforts going on there, and credits those efforts for helping him get his party rental business up and running.
“I really do believe that, if I didn’t get up and running with 12 Points when I did, I don’t think I would have had as successful year that I did, being my first year,” explains Carter, who owns First Flight Party Rental in Terre Haute. “So, I think 12 Points was a tremendous help.”
Carter says he’s not worried about recent closures. He says he, and others in the community, are looking forward with an optimistic outlook.
“In order for new things to grow, old things have to move on,” Carter explains. “The bookstore [which recently announced its closure], specifically; that’s up for grabs for a move-in business. It’s already ready to go. It’s great.”
Madison King owns Muse Art, an art supply store in Terre Haute. She also rents studio space in 12 Points. She says, “It was really important to me to have a direct connection to the artists in the area and, I live in 12 Points, so I also wanted to support the area.”
She says she believes 12 Points has a bright future as a hub for local businesses like hers.
12 Points officials have a message for those who may be skeptical. “Just wait and see,” says Rixner. “There’s nothing else. If you don’t believe in it, you don’t believe in it. But you’ll see the change because the change is coming.”
A way to experience 12 Points
According to a release from organizers, “12 Points is hosting another First Friday event this Friday, September 1, to showcase so much of what this neighborhood as to offer.
This event will feature over 30 vendors, goats, food trucks, and soon two new businesses will be open in 12 Points! This event will be free to the community and include public organizations such as the Fire Department on sight for children to explore the vehicles and bounce castles provided by First Flight-Party Rental along with cotton candy!”
Local businesses prepare for this event such as Sons & Spice with their new debut of “Sleepy Hollow” cold brew and two new seasonings part of their “Hometown Collection” which is Terre Haute themed.
The Upstairs at the Gosnell will be opening their doors from 5-8 p.m. with 14 creators and makers to check out. Upstairs at the Gosnell will also be having an Art Contest and Show at “Your Muse.”
“First Fridays have been going on since June. They are a really great celebration of all of the local vendors that we have in town, some local food trucks. This time, we’ll have some local bands as well. It’s really just trying to bring more community up to 12 Points,” says Rixner. “I always tell people it never hurts to come and check it out. There are so many people in this town that do creative things, and there’s so much information you can get and, it’s just a great way to feel more immersed in your community.”
