HAGERSTOWN, Ind. – A historic downtown Richmond building and a new community pavilion in Cambridge City were among the projects recognized during the Wayne County Area Chamber of Commerce’s 2026 Community Improvement Awards.
The awards recognized projects completed throughout Wayne County between July 2025 and June 2026. Nominees were evaluated on creativity, innovation and beautification. The chamber also presented a Community Spirit Award for work that has made a transformational impact in the community.
Richmond Neighborhood Restoration received the Exemplary Award for its restoration of the Readmore Building at the intersection of Ninth and Main streets in downtown Richmond.
The building, which dates to 1880, had fallen into serious disrepair before the restoration. The organization invested about $1.3 million in the project, including energy-efficient windows, a new roof, restored brickwork and extensive tuckpointing.
The renovated building now includes a retail storefront and four upstairs residential units.
The Creitz Park Pavilion received the Community Impact Award for a roughly $960,000 project that transformed an underused open field in Cambridge City into a community gathering space.
The project includes a pavilion, concrete sidewalks, a lighted seating area, outdoor furniture and green space. The pavilion serves as a shelter, gathering space and stage and is being used for concerts, recreation and other community events.
Every Child Can Read received the Community Spirit Award for its work supporting childhood literacy in Wayne County.
Founded in 2007, the organization provides programs including K-Ready, Books at Birth, Wayne County Reads, free after-school tutoring and an annual Community Book Fair. The organization works with schools, families and community groups to support literacy among local children.
“Community improvement is about more than how a building or property looks. It’s about pride, progress, and creating a community we’re proud to call home,” Melissa Vance, president and CEO of the Wayne County Area Chamber of Commerce, said in a news release.
Other 2026 award nominees were Bibbly Boo Toy & Candy Shoppe, Dot Foods Family Health Center, Mr. B’s Chicken Salad, Richmond Family Dentistry , Richmond Fire Department Station 2, VanVleet Insurance, Victor’s Mexican Taqueria Bar & Grill, Wayne County Federal Credit Union, Well Care Community Health and the Whitewater Gorge Activation Project at the Rest Road Trailhead.
