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New Albany’s Village Center

Courtesy of the City of New Albany

Courtesy of the City of New Albany

It’s no secret that New Albany strives to create a physically active community—the city’s Village Center is anchored by the Philip Heit Center for Healthy New Albany, and the New Albany Walking Classic is the largest walking-only race in the country. This initiative extends to development, with a clear goal to create and maintain a pedestrian-friendly city, particularly within Village Center.

“When we committed to building the Heit Center, we wanted to generate more foot traffic to help the retail and the restaurants succeed,” says Scott McAfee, chief communications and marketing officer. “And so the whole idea going forward is to continue to build on the momentum and increase the energy level and activities that bring people back again and again and again.”

New: In the last 18 months, the city has developed about 50,000 square feet of new office and retail space, McAfee says. It’s now home to Cameron Mitchell restaurant Hudson 29, Mellow Mushroom, business offices and more.

Coming soon: The city is currently developing another 50,000 square feet of mixed-use space, but the tenants have not yet been announced. Keep an eye out for more openings coming soon.

McCoy Center for the Arts (Courtesy of the City of New Albany)

McCoy Center for the Arts (Courtesy of the City of New Albany)

Don’t miss: Head over to Eagles Pizza to mingle with locals. “Eagles Pizza is a New Albany staple,” McAfee says. “They’ve been around for over 40 years.” With pizza, subs and salads, Eagles serves a classic hometown pizza joint menu, plus gluten-free pizza options.

Afterward, be sure to catch a show at the McCoy Center for the Arts, an 800-seat performing-arts venue that books nationally and internationally recognized acts, with upcoming performers ranging from Peter Frampton (March 24) to a Japanese drumming troupe (Feb. 22).

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