For more than a year, the 200 block of Second Street in downtown Niles served as a gathering point for many. The Niles community, known for its small-town camaraderie, congregated to the designated outdoor space where events such as book clubs, yoga classes, artisan markets and movie nights were held.

But by Wednesday, any sign of such a space had been dismantled.

On Tuesday, the Niles Outdoor Downtown Experience, or better known as The NODE, was deconstructed after the Niles City Council voted Monday night to approve a Downtown Development Authority Main Street proposal to reopen Second Street where it once resided.

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Cars can now park and drive along the downtown city street between Sycamore and Main streets where a 5-foot fire pit, picnic tables and performance stage had been placed.

But despite the removal, some see this as merely the beginning to better the community’s outdoor experience space.

"I really see this as a beginning than an end," said Lisa Croteau, director of marketing and administration for Niles Main Street, an organization that promotes downtown. "I'm excited to go through the process with (the program) Michigan Main Street, to see them help determine where the best place is and making it better."

In December 2020, the NODE was created initially to provide an outdoor space for people to come and support local Niles businesses in light of COVID-related restrictions. During that time, indoor dining services were limited and for business owners like Brandon Townsley with Niles Brewing Company, the NODE became instrumental in helping keep things afloat.

“When we were restricted to indoor dining, even at (limiting to) 25% capacity, it was still an option for people to grab and drink outside,” Townsley said.

As time went on, the block became more popular and endured longer than expected, serving as a location for more community-driven events and the acronym that once stood for Niles Outdoor Dining Experience was changed to better define what it had become. Croteau estimates several thousands visited the space during its tenure.

But as time went on, issues regarding its location on Second Street began to arise. Stephanie Reno, co-owner of gym Trap House 24 SLR, told The Tribune in November that she likes the idea of having a community gathering spot, but she didn’t like the location taking away traffic that otherwise might’ve passed by her business.

Discussions also arose about the temporary look, with most of the materials used in the space donated by local companies, organizations and individuals, Croteau said.

“It's at the place where we need to make some significant financial commitments,” Croteau said. “And so it needs to have some level of longevity.”

According to the Niles Daily Star, in addition to approving the motion to reopen the street, the council also voted to accept an offer from Michigan Main Street, an arm of the Michigan Economic Development Commission, to provide assistance in conducting community surveys, help identify viable locations and engage professional design services at no cost. The goal is to determine another version of the NODE, but better than before.

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“To be able to have an independent third party come in and look at locations and identify ‘here’s where it would be best,’ how do you say no to that?” Croteau said. “(And) it’s not a matter of where but a matter of starting from fresh.”

Croteau said a timeline for the surveys to be conducted and completed has not yet been determined but hopes to have a more permanent space open and operational by springtime.

"Reading the Facebook comments (to the NODE closure announcement), it looks like a lot of people are sad that it's gone but also excited of what's to come," she said. "I know I'm in that boat too."

But despite the temporary pause for the re-evaluation of the NODE, business owners are still doing what they can to serve customers who wish to participate in outdoor events. Iron Shoe Distillery at 3 N. 3rd St. has created its own version of an outdoor experience, with a newly constructed outdoor patio with a fire pit.

Townsley with Niles Brewing Company said they are concentrating on the new social district, which allows customers to purchase alcoholic drinks from participating restaurants to then open-carry those beverages outside around downtown Niles within a perimeter along Main Street and includes space in Riverfront Park. Townsley anticipates the program to be more popular once the weather warms up, but it’s something available to those who may be missing the NODE.

“Ideally we’re wanting to get more businesses on board and we’re the test one, but it's just another thing that we offer,” Townsley said. “Other cities have instituted it with great success. Wish the weather was more cooperative but it's something available to those who want it.”

Contact Mary Shown at 574-235-6244 and mshown@gannett.com. Follow her on Twitter: @maryshownSBT and @marketbasketSBT.

This article originally appeared on South Bend Tribune: The NODE in Niles has been dismantled with re-evaluation to come