Greencastle and DePauw University both learned Friday they were selected in the latest round of grants from the Lilly Endowment.
It's official.
After a year of hoping and holding out hope, Greencastle and DePauw University both learned Friday they were selected in the latest round of grants from the Lilly Endowment Inc.
The endowment approved grants to 13 colleges and universities from around the state, totaling more than $300 million. The grants, which are five year implementation grants, ranged from more than $12 million to $32 million through its College and Community Collaboration (CCC) initiative.
DePauw and Greencastle were the top grant getter, as the Lilly Endowment awarded $32 million, which will be used to enhance downtown vibrancy, improve downtown and campus connectivity and create and enhance community amenities, according to a release from the Lilly Endowment. In addition, the funds will help support a mixed use development in Seminary Square, as well as the establishment of a business incubation fund connecting local entrepreneurs and business professionals to university resources and a new pool at the YMCA, which is set to open in early 2025.
Councilman Vincent Aguirre, who represents the Fourth Ward, welcomed the news.
"It is an exciting time to be in Greencastle. I can't wait to get more information and move things forward," Aguirre told The Putnam County Post.
Earlier this year, Greencastle Mayor Lynda Dunbar told the City Council the Seminary Square Project was in the top ten out of over 100 projects that were up for consideration by the Central Indiana Regional Development Authority.
"I am anxious to see growth in that area," Dunbar said at the time.
Last year, members of city government, as well as residents heard about potential changes that could come to the Seminary Square area, as well as the Courthouse Square during a presentation.
The Seminary Square Project featured two options for residents and officials to look at.
The first option consisted of housing, movies and more and featured a four story apartment complex of 120-150 residential units, a 10,000 square foot commerce area, 60-70 parking spaces, as well as an underground garage that would feature another 220-225 spaces, the retention of Marvin's in its current building and a new movie screening, multi use hall adjacent to a public plaza.
The second option placed a priority on housing and featured 120 to 150 houses, 20 townhouses and 36 apartments.
Matt Reuff, of Anderson Partners LLC, said at the time there were many positives about Greencastle, including how it felt like a small town, was safe, has great community events, but also had a need for more housing.
"Greencastle is easy to get around, is walkable and close to nature. Our goal is to exemplify the small town feel that is safe and welcoming. We learned that Greencastle needs more housing and our goal is to provide housing for all," Reuff said.
Garth Brooks announces The Blame It All On My Roots Tour kicking off at Gainbridge Fieldhouse
Unemployment in southeastern Illinois rises in May
Lawrence County (Illinois) man dies from fireworks accident
Wabash General Hospital recognized among hospitals patients would highly recommend
IDOT warns of pavement failures during hot weather
Lawrence County Veterans Commission formation moves forward
Lawrence County Jail temporarily closed
Valentine trial motion hearing held
$22 million Fourth of July water roller coaster coming to Holiday World & Splashin’ Safari
ISDA Launches IMAGE Cost-Share Program for southwest Indiana producers
July 4th: Red Cross offers safety tips for a harmless holiday
Governor Braun highlights America 250 Celebrations, encourages communities to participate with sSpecial grant program
Know your fireworks laws, safety this holiday season
LCMH receives recognition from American Heart Association program
New dean announced at Vincennes University
NWS issues weather upgrade
Indiana 211 has information on community cooling centers
