Theresa Palmgren-KTVB

Indian Creek creates a park-like setting in downtown Caldwell.

CALDWELL - Caldwell officials hoped a five-year effort to transform Indian Creek from an underground tunnel into a picturesque centerpiece would bring people downtown.

It did just that, if only for a day Saturday, with the dedication of the waterway's remake, the Idaho Press-Tribune reported Sunday.

Officials say the event marked an important step in Caldwells ongoing efforts to revitalize the downtown area.

Mayor Garrett Nancolas says the operative word was: "Wow."

Oppenheimer Development Corp. President Skip Oppenheimer says his company decided to take on planning and construction of a mixed-use City Hall building in part because of the creek project.

Lt. Gov. Jim Risch was on hand and said the city's downtown has taken a turn for the better.

Steering Committee Chairman Randy Million says the creek makeover is just the start of larger plans to revitalize Caldwell's downtown area.