PENDLETON — In the three generations that The Flower Cart florist and tuxedo shop has served shoppers on downtown Pendleton’s State Street, the street has been a hub of change.

It might look similar to what it did 34 years ago when Doris and Willie Thetford opened the shop — downtown Pendleton has been preserved on the National Register of Historic Places — but a closer look reveals that street has changed from housing downtown necessities to become a shopper’s and diner’s paradise.

Instead of the quintessential downtown grocery store, five-and-dime and hardware store, State Street’s nostalgic buildings now house gift shops, home and garden furnishings, novelty stores and restaurants.

“Just the faces of the businesses have changed numerous times,” said Dennis Ashley, who now manages The Flower Cart, which still is owned by his mother, Diane Ashley. “The way that the businesses have recycled themselves, antiques and crafts came in; today there are restaurants and coffee shops.”

Although The Flower Cart has become a State Street staple, new businesses have enjoyed success on the street too. Jessica Greene and JB Privett joined in State Street’s new look when they opened their gift gallery, Daisy J’s, this month.

“It’s becoming more of a destination more so than just a functional downtown,” Greene said.

Greene and Privett both already own shops in Pendleton’s downtown — Twigs home and decor shop and The Sister Exchange clothing consignment shop, respectively — but neither shop is on State Street, downtown’s main drag.

“We know that the foot traffic in Pendleton is on State Street,” Greene said. “We have a beautiful building with great visibility. It’s a dream space.

“State Street’s equivalent to Chicago’s Magnificent Mile.”

Pendleton’s downtown area is flanked by Indiana 67 to the east and Interstate 69 to the west with State Street running through the middle. The confined space between the major thoroughfares has allowed Pendleton to remain small and keep State Street as the heart of the town, Ashley said.

“We’re starting to grow a little bit, but it all runs right on State Street,” he said. “Hopefully we can keep up with the times. Hopefully our streetscapes can reflect our progressive nature.”

Tom Hull and Leigh Alexander opened Word For Word used bookstore a year and a half ago in downtown Pendleton. They chose State Street because of the high level of foot traffic and visible storefront, Hull said.

“If we were anywhere else I don’t think we’d be doing as well as we are,” said Hull, who grew up in Pendleton. “We always thought it would be nice to have a bookstore here in the area. It’s a nice setting. It’s a nice environment, family friendly.”

In an effort to encourage downtown Pendleton shopping, many stores have decided to stay open later on Thursdays through the summer. Word for Word will stay open until 9 p.m.

Themed events in Pendleton’s downtown also bring more people to the area, said Evey Marie, owner of Evey’s Home and Garden on State Street. The town tries to have an event once a month to promote downtown shopping.