City Council on Wednesday officially renamed a portion of downtown to “Damiani Square.”

The moniker memorializes Andy Damiani, a former mayor, businessman, relentless downtown promoter and World War II veteran who died on Aug. 5 at the age of 95.

The area, formerly known as “Character Corner,” is on the southwest corner of the intersection of Main and Washington streets, on one end of a block where Damiani owned several buildings and lived in his final years.

The park-like setting features benches and a statue of the Planters Peanuts marketing icon Mr. Peanut, erected in 1991. The statue is surrounded by a landscaped garden.

City Councilman Mike Duman suggested the recognition at the Sept. 6 meeting.

The Character Corner designation will be kept for the portion of the area that includes the Mr. Peanut statue. The area also includes a memorial and flagpole erected by the Veterans of Foreign Wars Joe Bagley Post 2582. The memorial and flagpole will remain.

Recognition of Damiani will be placed on site.