DOJO Creative is proud to share the Greater Elkhart Chamber of Commerce has presented us with its Fairbanks Award, acknowledging the recent exterior renovation of our historic building at 119 S. Main St. in downtown Mishawaka.
Presented through the Chamber’s Business Recognition Council, the Fairbanks Award recognizes businesses that have made an outstanding contribution toward the beautification of the community. Candidates are evaluated for improvements to existing properties, new construction, landscaping, signage and the overall appearance of the structure.
“We’re honored to receive the Fairbanks Award and grateful to the Greater Elkhart Chamber of Commerce for recognizing the work that went into this renovation,” said Douglas Elder, partner at DOJO Creative. “This building is part of our story and the larger story of Mishawaka’s downtown. We’re thankful for the partners who helped bring the project together, and we’re excited to keep contributing to client projects throughout the region.”
For our team, the recognition is especially meaningful because the project reflects our commitment to investing in the places we work, the communities we serve and the creative energy that helps local business districts continue to grow.
A New Look for a Historic Downtown Building
Last year, DOJO Creative completed exterior renovations on our building at 119 S. Main St., with the project culminating in a ribbon cutting on Nov. 20, 2025.
The renovation was designed to preserve the character of the historic structure while giving the building a cleaner, more welcoming presence in downtown Mishawaka. The work included new energy-efficient windows, updated exterior signage, a custom awning and a second-floor mural that brings new color and creativity to the building’s south-facing wall.
Several local and regional partners helped bring the project to life:
EER, Energy Efficient Replacements of Granger, installed new energy-efficient windows that improved both the look and performance of the building.
US Signcrafters of Osceola fabricated and installed the building’s signage and awning, giving the storefront a more polished and recognizable presence.
South Bend artist Cassi Graber crafted a custom second-floor mural, adding a distinctive artistic element that reflects our personality.
In harmony, those improvements helped transform the building’s exterior, including remnants of the former Gene’s Camera Store facade, into a more vibrant part of the downtown streetscape.
Continuing to Invest in Local Creativity
As a creative agency, DOJO Creative helps organizations tell their stories through branding, web design, content, photography, video and marketing strategy. Renovating our own building gave us a chance to live out the same belief we bring to client work every day: thoughtful design can make a lasting impression.
We’re grateful for the recognition from the Greater Elkhart Chamber of Commerce and proud to be part of a business community that values reinvestment, beautification and local creativity.
Have a project on the horizon? Stop by the office or get in touch with DOJO Creative partner Doug Elder at 574-276-4998 or doug@letsgodojo.com for a consultation and gain the peace of mind that comes with dedicated support and expertise.