Carol Johnson, Southern Indiana Business Report
WEST BADEN SPRINGS – A housing project that has been in the works for nearly four years had its ceremonial groundbreaking Monday in West Baden Springs.
The development will offer 44 two-bedroom and three-bedroom units in an area that lacks affordable housing.
TWG, based in Indianapolis, is the project developer. Other partners involved were Merchants Capital, Indiana Housing and Community Development Authority, Innovative Veteran Affairs Real Estate (IVARE), Merchants Capital, Cedar Rapids Bank and Trust (CRBT) and the Town of West Baden Springs, according to a TWG press release.
Located at 942 Main St., anticipated opening date is late in 2024.
Several community leaders and project partners attended the groundbreaking.
“This project is a testament to West Baden’s commitment to growth and a vision for a thriving neighborhood. We hope that West Baden Lofts will foster a sense of community and serve as a space where neighbors can connect, share experiences, and build lasting relationships – the very essence of what makes a “small town atmosphere,” said Skylar Whiteman, executive director of the Orange County Economic Development Partnership.
Billy Shipman, vice president of the town council, said the project is an example of the council’s goal of preserving the town’s past while preparing for the future.
The apartment buildings, nestled atop land that once was the home of the West Baden Springs School, will overlook the West Baden Springs Hotel.
“Bill and Gayle Cook’s extreme generosity has transformed this town and was the start of everything to come,” Shipman said.
The Cooks took on the restoration of the West Baden Springs Hotel, which was an endangered landmark, and spent millions restoring it and the French Lick Hotel. The state awarded a casino license to the resort property; revenue from the French Lick Casino has paved the way for Orange County communities to transform their towns.
“The money from the casino has been vital for everything,” Shipman said.
Shipman pointed to the newly paved Main Street in front of West Baden Lofts, new sidewalks and retaining wall as work that has been made possible with tax funds from the casino and grants from the Indiana Department of Transportation’s Community Crossings program.
“We’ve been able to redo all the infrastructure, every street, every sidewalk, with the exception of Sinclair Street, which is our next project,” he said.
Marisa Conatser, TWG development director, thanked the town and others for being patient when problems with potential building sites led to delays.
“We’re so excited to see construction going,” Conatser said. “We’ve had so many partners that have contributed to this project. IHCDA, thank you so much for having West Baden Lofts be part of the rental housing tax credit program. Thanks to our financial partners Merchants Capital and Cedar Rapids Bank and Trust.”
She also thanked the Town of West Baden Springs and OCEDP.
West Baden Lofts will provide affordable housing with units reserved for households making 30-60% of the area median income (AMI).
Amenities include a free bikeshare program, free WiFi in common areas and individual units, fitness center, community room, an indoor play area for children, community raised garden beds, a playground, in-unit laundry and walk-in closets.
“Whenever we set out to build an apartment complex, we try to avoid that apartment complex wording,” Conatser said. “We want to build an apartment community that our residents are proud to call home.”