Greencastle, DePauw receive $32 million Lilly Grant

Greencastle and DePauw University both learned Friday they were selected in the latest round of grants from the Lilly Endowment.

It's official. 

After a year of hoping and holding out hope, Greencastle and DePauw University both learned Friday they were selected in the latest round of grants from the Lilly Endowment Inc. 

The endowment approved grants to 13 colleges and universities from around the state, totaling more than $300 million. The grants, which are five year implementation grants, ranged from more than $12 million to $32 million through its College and Community Collaboration (CCC) initiative. 

DePauw and Greencastle were the top grant getter, as the Lilly Endowment awarded $32 million, which will be used to enhance downtown vibrancy, improve downtown and campus connectivity and create and enhance community amenities, according to a release from the Lilly Endowment. In addition, the funds will help support a mixed use development in Seminary Square, as well as the establishment of a business incubation fund connecting local entrepreneurs and business professionals to university resources and a new pool at the YMCA, which is set to open in early 2025. 

Councilman Vincent Aguirre, who represents the Fourth Ward, welcomed the news. 

"It is an exciting time to be in Greencastle. I can't wait to get more information and move things forward," Aguirre told The Putnam County Post. 

Earlier this year, Greencastle Mayor Lynda Dunbar told the City Council the Seminary Square Project was in the top ten out of over 100 projects that were up for consideration by the Central Indiana Regional Development Authority. 

"I am anxious to see growth in that area," Dunbar said at the time. 

Last year, members of city government, as well as residents heard about potential changes that could come to the Seminary Square area, as well as the Courthouse Square during a presentation. 

The Seminary Square Project featured two options for residents and officials to look at. 

The first option consisted of housing, movies and more and featured a four story apartment complex of 120-150 residential units, a 10,000 square foot commerce area, 60-70 parking spaces, as well as an underground garage that would feature another 220-225 spaces, the retention of Marvin's in its current building and a new movie screening, multi use hall adjacent to a public plaza. 

The second option placed a priority on housing and featured 120 to 150 houses, 20 townhouses and 36 apartments. 

Matt Reuff, of Anderson Partners LLC, said at the time there were many positives about Greencastle, including how it felt like a small town, was safe, has great community events, but also had a need for more housing. 

"Greencastle is easy to get around, is walkable and close to nature. Our goal is to exemplify the small town feel that is safe and welcoming. We learned that Greencastle needs more housing and our goal is to provide housing for all," Reuff said.