2026 Community Improvement Awards - Community Updates for WayneCounty.info

On Wednesday, September 2, the Wayne County Area Chamber of Commerce hosted their annual Community Improvement Awards at Willie & Red’s in Hagerstown. Guests enjoyed food catered by Willie & Red’s, networking, and learning more about the nominated projects. Twelve award nominees were eligible for the Exemplary Award and the Community Impact Award, and the Community Spirit Award was presented to Every Child Can Read.

All project information included comes directly from the nomination forms submitted by each award recipient. Contractor listings and other details are included as provided.

2026 Spirit Award Winner: Every Child Can Read

Since 2007, Every Child Can Read has been building a stronger foundation for Wayne County’s youngest residents by helping children develop a love of reading and the skills they need to succeed.

Through programs including K-Ready, Books at Birth, Wayne County Reads, and free after-school tutoring, they put books and support into the hands of children and families. Certified tutors work with students in kindergarten through third grade to build essential reading skills, while their annual Community Book Fair brings families together to celebrate the joy of reading.

By partnering with schools, families, youth-serving organizations, and community partners, Every Child Can Read is investing in the foundation of our community—our children. They understand that the blueprint for our community’s future begins with giving every child the opportunity to succeed.

Representatives of Every Child Can Read, Jackie Vonderhaar and Patti Peterson accept the Spirit Award.

Richmond Neighborhood Restoration board members Cheri Jetmore, Chad Bolser, Ginger Gray, Dave Jetmore, Gail Connerley and Jason Troutwine accept the Exemplary Award for the Readmore Building.

Awards presented by WCACC Board Members, Katie Alyea and AJ Sickmann.

Cambridge City Town Council President, Jim McLane and his wife, Brenda accept the Community Impact Award for Creitz Park Pavilion.

2026 Exemplary Award Winner:

The Readmore Building

Some buildings are more than bricks and mortar—they become part of a community’s identity. The Readmore Building, a Richmond fixture since 1880, stood at 9th and Main Streets in serious disrepair, with missing windows and a roof, crumbling brick, and decades of peeling paint.

Richmond Neighborhood Restoration took on the challenge of bringing the three-story historic building back to life. The $1.3 million restoration includes energy-efficient windows, a new roof, restored brickwork, extensive tuckpointing, and a beautiful Jasper Green exterior, with additional historic-inspired details planned.

The completed project is bringing new life to downtown Richmond with a retail storefront and four upstairs living units. More than a historic renovation, the Readmore Building is a statement that downtown Richmond is worth investing in—and that its best days are still ahead.

Those involved in the project included Maze Design, Whisenhunt Construction, Wallace HVAC, E-Systems Electrical, Ryan’s Flooring and Perseponko Painting.

2026 Community Impact Award Winner:

Creitz Park Pavilion

Creitz Park Pavilion has transformed what was once an unused open field into a beautiful and vibrant community gathering space in Cambridge City. Located at Green and Parkway Drive, the project represents an estimated $960,000 investment and includes a new pavilion, sidewalks, a lighted seating area, outdoor furniture, and open green space.

Designed to serve as a shelter, gathering place, or stage for concerts and community events, the space is already bringing residents together for walking, exercise, gatherings, and entertainment. The pavilion also connects to Cambridge City’s history, sitting over what was once the Whitewater Canal, with future plans for signage to share that story.

Creitz Park Pavilion is a wonderful example of turning an underutilized space into a place that creates connection, activity, and new opportunities for the community.

The project was made possible with support from Wayne County Government, the Hoosier Enduring Legacy Project, OCTA, the Lilly Endowment, and the Wayne County Foundation.

2026 Community Improvement Award Nominees

Bibbly Boo Toy & Candy Shoope

Bibbly Boo Toy & Candy Shoppe transformed a rundown, aging exterior into a vibrant and welcoming destination in the heart of Centerville. The $180,000 renovation included fresh paint, repaired brickwork, upgraded lighting, and thoughtful landscaping, giving the historic building a colorful new presence and improving the downtown’s curb appeal.

Dating back to the 1840s, the building has served as a carriage shop, hardware store, and antique store. Today, Bibbly Boo has given it new life as a family-friendly destination filled with toys, candy, and a discovery playroom—bringing new energy and joy to downtown Centerville.

Those involved in the project were Megan Phillipe, PH Design Studio, and Sun Ridge Construction.

Dot Foods – Family Health Center

Dot Foods – Family Health Center is investing in the health and well-being of its employees and their families with a new 1,700-square-foot medical facility in Cambridge City. The $950,000 investment features a modern, permanent clinic with exam rooms, a lab, mental health room, medical dispensary, and reception area.

Rather than replacing its aging clinic with a temporary mobile unit, Dot Foods chose to create a lasting, high-quality resource for its employees and families. The new facility is already making a difference, with significantly increased engagement from employees and dependents.

Whisenhunt Construction served as contractor and builder on this project.

Mr. B’s Chicken Salad

Sometimes success calls for a bigger vision—and that’s exactly what happened at Mr. B’s Chicken Salad. The popular Centerville restaurant moved just down the street into a larger location, investing an estimated $175,000 to transform the property with a welcoming exterior, outdoor patio, improved accessibility, and space to better serve its growing customer base.

The new location also has a piece of Centerville history, having once been part of the Rising Sun Mill’s elevator business, which operated in the community beginning in the late 1800s. Mr. B’s has given the property new purpose while continuing to invest in its future, with additional parking and landscaping planned in a second phase.

Those involved in the project were architect, Doug Bradbury, John & Mindy Myers, and Sun Ridge Construction.

Richmond Fire Department – Station 2

Built in 1975, Richmond Fire Department’s Station 2 recently underwent a $350,000 renovation to bring the facility up to modern standards while improving its appearance and functionality. The project included new windows, siding, soffits, doors, a patio, updated driveways and parking, and a complete interior remodel with plumbing, electrical, and drywall improvements.

Designed to better serve the firefighters who live and work there, the updated station features individual bedrooms, an open living and kitchen area, and additional private space for rest between calls. Designed by Doug Gardner and constructed by Thor Construction, the project demonstrates that investing in the facilities where our first responders work and live is an investment in the people who serve our community.

Richmond Family Dentistry

Richmond Family Dentistry celebrated an exciting new chapter in February 2026 with the opening of a new 15-operatory facility, more than doubling the capacity of its previous location. The expanded space allows the practice to see patients sooner, accommodate dental emergencies, and provide greater access to care, all while creating a modern and welcoming environment with local touches throughout.

The practice has grown from six employees to 21, creating jobs while continuing to support local schools, organizations, businesses, athletics, and community events. More than a larger dental office, this new facility represents an investment in accessible care, local jobs, and the continued growth of a business committed to the Richmond community.

VanVleet Insurance

Growth has brought a new chapter for VanVleet Insurance, with a $450,000 expansion adding 2,000 square feet to its Richmond headquarters. The addition includes six private offices and a shared meeting space, creating room for future growth while seamlessly connecting the company’s previous expansions into one cohesive, professional facility.

Designed by Dave Indestrodt of Maze Designs and constructed by Thor Construction, the project also features new landscaping by Frame’s Lawncare and support from numerous local contractors. The expansion honors the building’s history, too—the former First Merchants Bank drive-thru window remains in use as a convenient way for clients to make insurance payments.

Those involved in the project were Thor Construction, Whisenhunt Construction, Whitewater Construction, Catron’s Glass, Wallace Heating, Carroll Electric, Smarrelli Construction, Ryan’s Flooring, Reynolds Plumbing and Frame’s Lawncare.

Victor’s Mexican Taqueria Bar & Grill

Victor’s Mexican Taqueria Bar & Grill has found a new home on NW 5th Street, moving into a newly renovated space that provides a larger, more welcoming setting for its growing customer base. The most striking transformation is outside, where bold, colorful improvements have brought new life and personality to a once-unassuming building, creating an eye-catching addition to the neighborhood.

Inside, the renovated space gives Victor’s room to build on its success as a popular locally owned dining destination known for authentic Mexican flavors and a lively atmosphere. More than a new address, the move represents an investment in the continued growth of a local business and the revitalization of another Richmond property.

Wayne County Federal Credit Union

After 32 years at its current location, Wayne County Federal Credit Union took the opportunity to give its facility a fresh new look following ice damage earlier this year. With an investment of more than $382,000, the project created a cohesive, modern design inside and out, including updated finishes, exterior improvements, and new signage that has already drawn new attention to the business.

Working with K4 Design of Cincinnati, the credit union carried its interior colors and design elements to the exterior, creating a distinctive new identity. Whisenhunt Construction and A Morgan Construction served as general contractors, with additional painting and landscaping still planned. The transformation gives this longtime Richmond business a renewed presence while continuing to welcome longtime members and new customers.

Well Care Community Health

A new state-of-the-art medical facility is bringing expanded access to health care to Richmond’s West Side. Completed in May 2026 following an approximately $3 million investment, Well Care Community Health’s 14,080-square-foot facility provides medical, dental, and behavioral health services to residents of Richmond and Wayne County, regardless of their ability to pay.

The project transformed roughly six acres of overgrown property into a welcoming medical campus with colorful landscaping, trees, and a thoughtfully designed facility that increases capacity and accessibility. Well Care also purchased the adjoining five-unit office building, with plans for additional Well Care services, office space, and a neighborhood food pantry. Together, these investments are helping bring new life to the West Side and laying the groundwork for a future health care destination for the community.

Those involved in the project were Maze Design, Whisenhunt Construction and Nettle Creek Custom Gardens.

Whitewater Gorge Activation Project – Test Road Trailhead

A once-underutilized natural asset is becoming a destination for recreation, gathering, and exploration. The first phase of the Whitewater Gorge Activation Project transformed the Test Road Trailhead into a welcoming southern gateway, adding expanded parking, pedestrian amenities, terraced seating, an observation deck overlooking the Whitewater River, and a new canoe and kayak launch.

With an investment of more than $2 million, the project incorporates bioswales, rain gardens, native plantings, and resilient materials designed to withstand flooding. It is the first step in a larger vision to preserve and activate the 150-acre Whitewater Gorge as a regional destination for recreation, arts, tourism, and economic development while celebrating its rich industrial and musical history.

The project was designed by MKSK, with Katie Clark serving as landscape architect, and constructed by RL Turner.