By Joe Bachman

The city will be hosting a block party in celebration of the triangle redevelopment project.

A special events application was approved by the Finance and Property committee Tuesday night for a “Market Block Party”, held Tuesday, Aug. 23 from 4:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m., and Wednesday, Aug. 24 from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. There will be street closures on these days from 1st St. North between E. Jackson St. and Market St.

Residents will be asked to submit pictures in an effort to provide a slideshow to celebrate the memories that have occurred on the block, most notably Good Time Charlie’s tavern, which will be demolished as part of the triangle redevelopment.

“[We’re] not saying we want to get stuck in the past,” said Director of Planning and Economic Development Adam Tegan. “It’s good to recognize what happened, what it used to be, and what it could be — to get used to seeing the triangle as something more than it has been.”

The open container ordinance will be temporary lifted this event, which will include live music, food vendors, and drinks. This will lead into Wednesday, where the city will host a lunch, which will include various food vendors with the celebrations.

“It should be a good event,” said Mayor Zach Vruwink. “A lot of the community is questioning what’s happening, and I think this is a good opportunity for us, both city staff, council and myself to be forward and direct to the public about what we aspire to have at the site.”

This is part of an ongoing effort to revitalize the “triangle” section between 1st St. North and Market St. where plans have been laid out to bring new retail and housing space to the area.