Winona Avenue Transformation

Initiative

Winona Avenue serves as the primary east-west corridor connecting the City of Warsaw and the Town of Winona Lake. Along its route are many of the community’s key destinations, including Winona Lake, Grace College, downtown Warsaw, the Kosciusko County Fairgrounds, Baker Youth Club, Cardinal Services, and dozens of local businesses.

Currently, limited sidewalks, undefined parking areas, and a lack of pedestrian infrastructure reduce safety and accessibility for those walking or biking along the corridor.

The goal of the Winona Avenue Renovation Project is to create a stronger sense of connection and place while supporting recreation, relaxation, and community gathering. By reimagining the streetscape, the project aims to make the corridor safer, more walkable, easier to navigate, and better connected to the resources that serve residents and visitors alike.

Planned improvements include roadway enhancements, on-street parking, expanded green space, and pedestrian-focused infrastructure. Together, these changes will improve safety, increase accessibility, and strengthen connections between key parts of the community.

The project will be administered by the Ball State University Department of Urban Planning over a two-year, four-semester period, with two primary areas of focus:

Urban Design: Developing recommendations and plans for the Winona Avenue Corridor.
Supply Chain Mapping: Conducting a comprehensive analysis of Warsaw’s orthopedic industry and its broader national and global impact.

The Winona Avenue Renovation Project also serves as a cornerstone for several related community infrastructure initiatives, including: