EVANSVILLE, Ind. — A sweeping new vision for the Ohio Riverfront in Evansville, Newburgh, and Mount Vernon is taking shape, with plans to reshape the river’s edge into a vibrant, integrated space for both locals and visitors. Sasaki and E-REP, the firms behind the project, recently unveiled updated renderings that highlight an ambitious, long-term overhaul of the waterfront.
Anna Cawrse, Principal Landscape Architect for Sasaki, expressed her excitement about the project, calling it “iconic.” The plans focus on creating a connection between downtown Evansville and the Ohio River, aiming to dissolve the “hard line” that currently separates the two. “Through ‘The Bend,’ we start to pull the Ohio River out to the city and pull the city out to the Ohio River,” Cawrse explained.
At the core of the vision is the creation of new public spaces that will make the river a central part of the city’s life. The updated plans feature parks, playgrounds, basketball courts, housing, restaurants, amphitheaters, and more. According to Ashley Diekmann of E-REP, these updates incorporate valuable feedback from the community, ensuring the design reflects the needs and desires of local residents.
Logistical adjustments have been made to the original design to address flooding risks and optimize space. Notably, the levees are being raised to protect against flooding, and the residential and recreational areas are being repositioned to better accommodate the pump station. These changes reflect a balance of practicality and vision, aiming for a flood-resistant and community-centered riverfront.
One of the most significant changes in the plans involves the relocation of the Four Freedoms Monument. The iconic memorial will be moved several blocks to a new location between Main and Sycamore Streets, in front of the WNIN building. This move, Cawrse explained, will give the monument more space and allow for an elevation change that will enhance its prominence and significance.
While the riverfront’s transformation will take decades to complete, leaders hope the project will create a lasting legacy for the region. Cawrse envisions a future where the waterfront is a place for dining, recreation, and reflection. “Imagine sports play and green spaces that are unlike any other place in this country,” she said. “This project will bring people closer to the water and deepen their understanding of the importance of our environmental systems.”
The project is expected to take between 10 and 20 years to fully realize, with substantial investments and community collaboration required along the way. As Evansville, Newburgh, and Mount Vernon look to the future, the Ohio Riverfront is poised to become a dynamic, integrated space that could define the region for generations to come.
