Huntingburg completes alley project supported by READI funding
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The city of Huntingburg is celebrating the opening of a downtown project funded by the state’s Regional Economic Acceleration and Development Initiative, or READI.
The Huntingburg Alley Activation project received $110,000 in READI funds to transform an underutilized alley into a public gathering space that also increases access to downtown businesses and retail shops.
The space serves as a pedestrian access corridor between 4th Street in downtown Huntingburg and the historic Huntingburg Memorial Gym, according to an Indiana Economic Development Corp. news release.
The READI grant served as matching funds for the project, which features outdoor lighting, tables and chairs, and planters. Public art will soon be added to the space with a new mural painted by Hoosier artist Pamela Bliss.
“It’s interesting to walk through and see the different cultures in Huntingburg,” Huntingburg Mayor Neil Elkins said in the release. “Our population includes those of German heritage, newer Haitian and Vietnamese residents, and other Hispanic populations. They are all sitting in the alley together, enjoying lunches or taking breaks. The convergence of different cultures makes it special. The alley will be a refreshment area and a connection to 4th Street, the gymnasium and local history.”
The IEDC said restaurants and shops in the area have already reported a boost in business due to the alley project. A new restaurant and bourbon bar known as Butcher and Barrel will also open soon near the alley.
The funding came from the first iteration of the READI program, which has awarded $487 million to more than 350 projects across the state. The IEDC said the projects have yielded $12.6 billion in additional investment.
“Seeing firsthand the positive impact on local communities the READI program is making is exactly why we established the program years ago,” Gov. Eric Holcomb said. “The revitalization of this once-vacant public space is bringing new life to Huntingburg’s downtown district in such creative community minded ways. The partnership between the state and the local community is how we’ll further continue to take Indiana to the Next Level.”
Earlier this year, Holcomb announced the grant recipients for READI 2.0. The Indiana Uplands region, which includes Huntingburg, received a $30 million allocation, bringing its total READI funds to $60 million.