EVANSVILLE, Ind. (July 24, 2024) – The Evansville Regional Economic Partnership (E-REP) in partnership with the Southwest Indiana Regional Development Authority (RDA) announces the first collection of projects to be submitted to the Indiana Economic Development Corporation (IEDC) for approval of READI 2.0 and Lilly Endowment Initiative funding. READI 2.0 accelerates investment across the state by matching private and local government funding on regionally transformational projects.
“These projects continue the momentum of READI 1.0 to enhance the quality of life and economic vitality in the Evansville region,” said RDA President Beth McFadin Higgins. “Through the collaborative spirit of our community and the support of READI 2.0, we are poised to create lasting, positive change that will benefit residents and businesses alike.”
The submitted projects are:
Regional Affordable Housing Preservation Program:
A Lilly Endowment Blight Elimination $484,000 grant will match local and philanthropic investment to preserve as many as 300 units of low-income owneroccupied single-family homes by providing repairs such as roofs, gutters, window and door replacement, or mechanical system replacements. The homes will be located across Gibson, Posey, Vanderburgh and Warrick Counties.
Lilly Endowment Arts and Culture Downtown Evansville Project Collection:
A collection of three projects that connect along Court Street from 3rd to 4th Streets.
- The Soldiers and Sailors Memorial Coliseum Renovation: $7,090,560 grant. Funds will be used to return the Coliseum to use as a multi-arts, music, convention, and events space.
- The Fellwock Garage: a $391,916 grant will be matched by developer equity and debt to restore the 1914 building to create a site for live music, comedy shows, a rooftop deck and space for local food and arts entrepreneurs.
- Toyota Trinity Stormwater Park: this $450,000 grant will develop a reflective public park that utilizes preserved historic materials from Holy Trinity Church which stood on the site from the 1950s to 2020. The park will be developed atop a stormwater retention space.
The Dominion Development, Warrick County: A $5,000,000 READI 2.0 grant will be used to support a $71.5 million live, work, play development on a ten-acre site bound by State Road 66 (Lloyd Expressway), Grim Road, and the Warrick Wellness Trail. Phase one will include 150 units of housing, outdoor community areas, and a five-story commercial building with ground-floor restaurant and retail spaces.
“These investments will improve the quality of place and quality of life for residents in all four counties in our region,” said Josh Armstrong, Chief Economic Development Officer at E-REP, “With a focus on blight elimination, the arts, public spaces, commercial development and housing across the region, there is a transformative benefit for all.” An announcement of any IEDC approval is expected within the next month.
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About the Evansville Regional Economic Partnership: The Evansville Regional Economic Partnership (E-REP) leads economic development efforts for the Evansville, Indiana region and elevates the overall quality of life through transformational projects, planning, advocacy, and business engagement. Additionally, E-REP supports the attraction, startup, and growth of regional businesses.
About the Southwest Indiana Regional Development Authority: The Southwest Indiana Regional Development Authority (RDA) was formed by a joint four-county ordinance in 2015 to apply for and then distribute the $42 million of Regional Cities Initiative funding. The achievement of Regional Cities Initiative was a catalyst for the $50 million Regional Economic + Acceleration Development Initiative (READI) award secured in December 2021. For READI, the RDA is the applicant, fiscal agent and has the overall responsibility for implementing the Regional Development Plan (RDP) The RDA is a quasi-unit of government and comprised of a five member board representing Posey, Gibson, Warrick, and Vanderburgh Counties along with the City of Evansville. The Evansville Regional Economic Partnership (E-REP) was engaged to administer the regional work on behalf of the RDA.