COLUMBIA CITY — The Thomas Marshall Plaza maintenance in downtown Columbia City has always been a passion for Ann Fahl and Sharon Geiger who have taken care of this plaza since 2015 when they organized a group of four people who took great interest in Columbia City’s downtown area when the Downtown Business Alliance (DBA) was created by Ann Fahl, Billy Reffitt, Sharon Geiger and Tad Varga who had concerns about 12 empty buildings that was along West Van Buren Streets in the 100 and 200 block area which was right across from the courthouse.
Not only were buildings empty, but also in need of repair, new awnings and along with some cracked windows. At this time, the DBA was formed.
The first interest of the DBA was to go to the Redevelopment Commission (RDC) to see if they could develop a pocket park for the city. The DBA worked with Chad Fahl to design and develop the park as the DBA raised funds for the park and the city assisted with a grant.
The park was named the Thomas Marshall Plaza in honor of Vice-President Thomas Marshall from Indiana who was a mason. The masons from Indianapolis came to Columbia City and dedicated the Thomas Marshall Plaza for the opening of the pocket park.
