The Martin County Alliance for Economic Growth and Community Action Leading Loogootee have been selected to participate in the 2025 IU Rural Placemaking Studio initiative, a program connecting Indiana University students and faculty with rural communities to enhance public spaces through art and design. As part of the program, the Martin County Alliance will continue last year’s work with IU students to create new business signage for Main Street in Shoals. Meanwhile, Community Action Leading Loogootee will focus on designing interpretive signage for the town’s seven historic Mesker facade buildings—part of a future architectural walking and driving tour celebrating the unique 19th and early 20th-century storefronts.
