NORTH VERNON, Ind. – The South-Central Indiana Talent Region (SCITR) has announced a transformational investment of $5 million in two Jennings County projects through the Indiana Economic Development Corporation’s (IEDC) Regional Economic Acceleration and Development Initiative (READI) Blight Redevelopment Program.
SCITR was awarded two of just 17 projects statewide approved in the first round of Lilly Endowment Inc. (LEI) funding, underscoring the strength of the region’s vision and momentum.
This project funding will accelerate progress and reinforce SCITR’s strategic vision to grow innovation, strengthen the workforce, expand housing, and enhance quality of place. With this support, the region will continue its journey of transformation, attracting talent, fueling innovation, and creating vibrant, livable communities.
The two projects receiving support are:
- Country Squire Lakes Redevelopment – $1 million to continue blight elimination and redevelopment efforts, ensuring that blighted and underutilized lots will be converted into shovel-ready sites for new homes.
- Downtown North Vernon Infill Development – $4 million to support adaptive reuse and new housing across three key sites. Plans include 16 Uptown Lofts apartments, 54 units at Ironclad Flats, and the renovation of the historic Red Men building into boutique short-term rentals and coworking space.
This investment in Jennings County will demonstrate how rural Indiana can thrive when local vision is matched with bold state and private investment.
The City of North Vernon has also been steadily advancing a bold redevelopment agenda in recent years. Landmark projects such as Heritage Estates, Quarry Adventure Park, a new police station, and multiple private investments are reshaping the community. Just this week, the city was awarded a $2 million Office of Community and Rural Affairs (OCRA) façade improvement grant, and now this new IEDC investment will add even more momentum to North Vernon’s ongoing transformation.
North Vernon Mayor Shawn Gerkin added, “This is truly a special time in North Vernon’s history. We’re investing in significant projects that expand housing, revitalize our downtown, and enhance quality of place. Together, these efforts will make our city more attractive to families, workers, and businesses—and also ensure our community thrives for generations.
The next step for each project recipient will be to work closely with the IEDC to finalize award details, establish key deliverables, and move the projects forward into implementation. As projects take shape, more information will be shared at www.southcentralreadi.com.
