"Embrace the potential of each new day, for it holds endless opportunities for growth and success."

• Initial Phase: Demolition of the empty anchor stores—including the former JCPenney, Sears, and the movie theater—is scheduled to begin as early as March 2026.

• Full Demolition: The timeline for the remaining interior section of the mall is more fluid. It is expected to take anywhere from six months to two years to complete, as developers must wait for the leases of the few remaining tenants to expire.

• Exception: The Buyer’s Market store, which owns its own portion of the building, is currently the only part of the structure planned to remain standing.

• A national wholesale club (frequently rumored to be Costco, though unconfirmed).

• New outparcel retail stores and restaurants along McGalliard Road.

• Long-term potential for luxury apartments or high-density housing on the back portion of the property.

Fresh Groceries Arrive: New DG Market to Open South of Muncie

• Fresh Produce: A dedicated section for fruits and vegetables like apples, salad mixes, and potatoes.
• Fresh Meats: High-quality cuts including ground beef, pork chops, and poultry.
• Expanded Dairy & Frozen Foods: A much larger selection of milk, cheeses, and frozen entrees compared to standard locations.
• Daily Essentials: All the usual cleaning supplies, paper products, and health and beauty items.

There is a hidden gem restaurant called Vera Mae's Bistro that serves amazing food with a cozy atmosphere.

Ball State Cardinals Baseball vs. MAC Opponent

• 📅 Date: Friday–Sunday, March 6–8, 2026

• 🕒 Time: Varies by game

• 📍 Ball Diamond, Ball State University, Muncie, IN

• 🎟️ Admission: Ticketed (affordable family pricing)

• 📄 Details: Cheer on the Ball State Cardinals as they host a weekend baseball series. A fun and affordable outing for families and sports fans.

Live Music at The Fickle Peach

• 📅 Date: Saturday, March 7, 2026

• 🕒 Time: Evening (typically 7:00 PM)

• 📍 The Fickle Peach, Muncie, IN

• 🎟️ Admission: Free (food & drink purchase encouraged)

• 📄 Details: Enjoy local and regional musicians in an intimate downtown venue. A perfect low-key Saturday night option with great cocktails and atmosphere.

Planetarium Show at Ball State University

• 📅 Date: Saturday, March 7, 2026

• 🕒 Time: Afternoon showtimes

• 📍 Charles W. Brown Planetarium, Ball State University, Muncie, IN

• 🎟️ Admission: Low-cost ticketed event

• 📄 Details: Explore the night sky, constellations, and space science in an immersive dome experience. A fun and educational weekend outing for kids and adults alike.

First Thursday Art Walk – Downtown Muncie

• 📅 Date: Thursday, March 5, 2026

• 🕒 Time: 5:00 PM – 8:00 PM

• 📍 Location: Downtown Muncie Arts District

• 🎟️ Admission: Free

• 📄 Details: Explore galleries, live music, pop-up vendors, and special exhibits throughout downtown. Many local shops and restaurants stay open late, making it a perfect weeknight outing.

Explore the Cardinal Greenway trail which stretches 62 miles and is perfect for biking, walking, or running!

Interesting Facts

• The M&M's Connection: Legend has it that the inventor of M&M's candy was originally from Muncie and is buried in the city's Beechgrove Cemetery.

• Original Warhol Art: The David Owsley Museum of Art  at Ball State University houses an impressive collection of over 11,000 works, including a famous original Mao portrait by Andy Warhol and a Pregnant Woman painting by Edgar Degas.

• International Sister City: Muncie maintains an international partnership with its sister city, Zhuji City, in the People's Republic of China, to foster business and tourism ties.

• The "Pizza King" Delicacy: Ask any local, and they'll tell you Pizza King is the definitive "local delicacy." Known for its square-cut thin crust and unique toppings, it is a staple of Muncie food culture.

• The Sweetest Deals: Our famous snack wall is always stocked! Grab 3 candy bars or snacks for just $1.00.

• Gifts for All Ages: Explore a vast and diverse selection of toys, bobbleheads, and seasonal items—often at 50% off retail prices.

• Everyday Essentials: From brand-name health and beauty products to household goods, we keep the basics affordable.

• Unique Finds: You never know what you’ll find! From Shark clogs and name-brand work boots to cozy sherpa hoodies and even high-quality headstone saddles for loved ones.

DWNTWN Decoded: Where to Look and Where to Eat this March 5th

The Boyce Block: A Downtown Treasure That Helped Shape Muncie

In the heart of downtown Muncie stands one of the city’s most enduring architectural and cultural landmarks: the Boyce Block. Built in 1880 during a period of rapid growth and industrial optimism, this historic building has witnessed the transformation of Muncie from a small Midwestern town into a thriving manufacturing center and vibrant community hub.

More than just brick and mortar, the Boyce Block tells the story of innovation, resilience, and the power of local arts to breathe new life into historic spaces.

Built for a Booming City

Constructed at the dawn of Muncie’s industrial rise — just before the natural gas boom would supercharge local growth — the Boyce Block quickly became one of downtown’s premier commercial buildings. Developed by businessman J.W. Boyce, the structure was designed to accommodate retail storefronts at street level with offices and meeting spaces above, reflecting the mixed-use style common in thriving 19th-century American towns.

Notably, the Boyce Block was among the first buildings in Muncie to feature modern utilities like gas lighting and, later, electricity — a sign of the city’s forward-looking spirit during a time of technological change.

Its Italianate architectural details — tall, arched windows and decorative brickwork — gave it an air of sophistication that still stands out today.

A Home for the Arts

In the 1930s, the building entered a new chapter that would define its legacy. The upper floors became home to what is now the beloved Muncie Civic Theatre — one of the oldest continuously operating community theatres in the United States.

Through decades of performances, from classic dramas and comedies to musicals and contemporary productions, the theatre has turned the Boyce Block into a cultural cornerstone. Generations of local actors, directors, and audiences have passed through its doors, creating memories that connect Muncie residents across time.

The building has adapted to changing needs while maintaining its historic character — a testament to thoughtful preservation and community pride.

Weathering Change

Downtown Muncie has experienced cycles of growth, challenge, and revitalization over the past century. Through it all, the Boyce Block has remained standing — a symbol of durability and civic identity.

Efforts to preserve the structure have helped anchor downtown revitalization projects and inspire renewed interest in historic architecture. As other historic buildings were lost to time or redevelopment, the Boyce Block survived — and in doing so, preserved a tangible link to Muncie’s 19th-century roots.

A Living Landmark

Today, the Boyce Block is more than a historic relic — it’s a living, breathing part of downtown life. Visitors attending a performance, strolling along Walnut Street, or admiring the building’s classic façade are participating in a story that stretches back nearly 150 years.

In a city shaped by industry, philanthropy, and creativity, the Boyce Block represents all three. It stands as proof that historic spaces can evolve, serve new generations, and remain central to a community’s identity.

As Muncie continues to grow and reinvent itself, the Boyce Block remains a reminder of where it all began — and how preserving the past can strengthen the future.

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