A fire in Loogootee more than two years ago devastated the city's downtown. It ripped through six businesses, reducing many to rubble. Today, much of that land remains empty.

On this week’s Noon Edition, we’ll discuss how cities respond to changing downtown areas like Loogootee, whether it's by disaster or just the passage of time.

Mayor Noel Harty said that while his city still had vacant lots from where the fire took place, there was no shortage of resources in Loogootee's downtown, including 18 different places to eat.

Amanda Craft also stated the importance of changing desires for the role of the downtown, saying  "Families now are looking for communities to provide events, niche retail, dining, experiences, and give them that sense of belonging, that sense of home."

While evolution is necessary for small downtowns to thrive, Talisha Coppock feels that tradition cannot be lost to trends, saying "People like to have something familiar, but there is also an element that wants to have something a little new or exciting. So it's just finding that balance."

Guests:

Mayor Noel Harty, (D-Loogootee)

Amanda Craft, Director of Communications and Marketing, Radius Indiana

Talisha Coppock, Executive Director, Downtown Bloomington