BATESVILLE, IN — Lt. Gov. Suzanne Crouch and the Indiana Office of Community and Rural Affairs has announced 11 properties across the state were awarded a total of $712,989 in funding through the Historic Renovation Grant Program.
One of the recipients is in Batesville’s commercial district.
Romweber Marketplace was awarded $79,463 to restore the roof of its historic building, which dates back to 1863. The Marketplace is home to around 40 small dealers housed under one roof, along with a wedding venue and four retail and office locations. Among other things, this restoration project will allow Trinity Guardian, a health care device company, to employ 20 people on the third floor of the Marketplace.
“Historic structures are some of the most powerful storytellers in Hoosier communities,” Crouch said. “The preservation of historic properties is integral to retelling Indiana’s history to future generations. This funding will help ensure communities can continue their Hoosier tradition and stories for years to come.”
Eligible properties for this grant program must be at least 50 years old and either listed on the register of Indiana historic sites and structures, be listed or eligible for listing to the National Register of Historic Places, or be listed as a contributing resource in a National Register District.
Eligible applicants include non-profits, individuals, partnerships, firms, associations, joint ventures, limited liability companies, corporations, or non-profit affordable housing organizations. Awarded properties will receive funding for the renovation and preservation of exterior features.
“These Historic Renovation Grant Program projects will make a lasting impact on their local communities and on our state,” said OCRA Executive Director Denny Spinner. “These 11 properties will preserve the history of Indiana while supporting local economic development.”
“In its fifth year, the Historic Renovation Grant Program has transitioned to become a competitive grant program rather than first-come, first-served, to best support critical preservation efforts throughout the state,” said Andrea Kern, OCRA director of strategic initiatives. “We are excited for the potential of these projects to continue a legacy throughout the state.”
The Historic Renovation Grant Program received more than 50 applications with requests totaling over $3.2 million. Applications were scored based on appropriate historical criteria, extensive support from local residents, and the economic impact the project would have on the greater community.
For more information, visit in.gov/ocra/historic-renovation-grant-program/.
(Office of the Lt. Gov/Indiana Office of Community and Rural Affairs press release)
