Work begins on $3M Washington Commons project
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Dean Merder – President and CEO, TrueScripts; Neil Dauby – President and CEO, German American Bank; Denny Spinner – Executive Director, Indiana Office of Community and Rural Affairs; Mayor David Rhoads – City of Washington; Tony Duncheon – President, Daviess County Council; Tina Peterson – President and CEO, Regional Opportunities Initiatives (ROI); and Bryant Niehoff, Executive Director, Daviess County Economic Development Corp.
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Artist rendering of the German American Bank Stage in Washington Commons. (image courtesy: Daviess County EDC)
Washington-based TrueScripts, a prescription benefits management company, and Jasper-based German American Bank have each pledged $250,000 towards a multi-use facility in downtown Washington. Their gifts were part of a groundbreaking ceremony to launch construction of the $3.1 million Commons project, an outdoor venue that will host concerts, farmer’s markets and community events.
The event also formally launched the Our Common Heritage fundraising campaign.
“The Commons represents a critical project and joint effort that will positively impact the region for this generation and generations to come,” said Washington Mayor David Rhoads. “We expect to see thousands of visitors and residents take part in a broad array of activities that will draw people to Washington, especially as we see continued growth in the coming microelectronics campus in the WestGate@Crane Technology Park.”
The Commons project features three new community facilities, replacing old, dilapidated buildings that were acquired and demolished through a $200,000 state grant from Regional Opportunity Initiatives. The city of Washington has committed $2 million through 2027 for the Commons project. The Daviess County Commissioners and Council have committed $750,000.
“The Commons is a perfect example of what we hoped to achieve,” said ROI President and CEO Tina Peterson. “While ROI’s foundational funding laid the groundwork for the Commons, Daviess County’s collaborative approach has given this project the vision, momentum, and energy to reach the finish line. It will be an asset for both the community and the region.”
As the first major corporate sponsors, German America and TrueScripts get naming rights for two of the structures.
“The Commons will serve as an attractive centerpiece for Washington and Daviess County both now and for many years to come,” said TrueScripts President and CEO Dean Merder. “Given that our headquarters is here and the fact that our team members largely live in the area, our sponsorship of the Pavilion reflects our commitment to the growth of the community and its quality of life.”
The Daviess County Economic Development Corp. says it is looking for a corporate sponsor for a third event pavilion in the same complex. Additional funding for event programming, amenities, and facility sustainability is now also being pursued through the Our Common Heritage Campaign.
The goal is for the space to be open for events around the holiday season later this year.