Argos celebrates new downtown community space
ARGOS, Ind. - Residents and local leaders celebrated the grand opening of a new community space in downtown Argos on Saturday.
The new Nickel Plate Square sits at the corner of Highway 10 and Michigan Street, serving as a place for community members to spend time together.
“Currently, residents and visitors just stop downtown where they need to go and then leave," said Jon VanderWeele, a town liaison for Marshall County Crossroads. "Our goal was to create green space that enticed people to spend more time and connect downtown.”
The name Nickel Plate Square is a nod to Argos' history as a location for railroad crossings. A train depot replica now sits in the square.
The depot is approximately 800 square feet and includes two bathrooms. The new space also includes picnic tables, external electric and water around the perimeter to accommodate food trucks in the summer, and a stage area for performances.
Visitors can also access public Wi-Fi in the square.
Nickel Plate Square was constructed as part of an award given to Marshall County Crossroads in 2019, according to the Town of Argos website.
The award is part of the Stellar Communities Program, a multi-year, multi-million-dollar initiative by the Indiana Office of Community and Rural Affairs.