The Muncie Redevelopment Commission on Nov. 20 approved five facade grant awards recommended by the program committee and added a condition to one award to protect a downtown mural.

The committee reported it received roughly 10–12 applications and recommended five for approval. The projects approved include Crew Construction at 215 South Walnut (project cost about $143,000; grant cap $25,000), Michael Jennings at 307 East North (request $8,600), 4 Tabs LLC (Columbia Building) at 306 South Walnut (project cost above $200,000; cap $25,000), William Peckinpah at 400 West Jackson (sidewalk work; total cost $2,027; 50% cap), and Minnetrista Museum & Gardens at 620 West Minnetrista Boulevard (LL Ball House/Bob Ross Museum; total cost $33,250; request up to $15,000). The commission voted to approve the five recommended awards by roll call with all voting members saying yes.

The awards drew immediate public and commissioner attention because one building at 306 South Walnut features a well‑known public mural. Tanya Side, executive director of the Muncie Arts and Culture Council, told the commission the mural "commemorates the mass shooting that happened at the Pulse Nightclub in Orlando, Florida" and said that community groups have interest in preserving it. In response, the committee representative said, "The proposal did not include any reference to it, but it is a good question." The commission debated whether to alter an already‑approved award and ultimately voted to amend the 306 South Walnut approval to add a contingency that no alterations be made to the present mural; that motion passed by roll call.

Commissioners also discussed program design questions: the facade program was funded at $150,000 per year and staff said the intent had been for that amount to refresh annually rather than roll over; commissioners asked for a standalone agenda item next month to examine whether leftover funds should be carried forward, to clarify application requirements, and to improve online application materials.

The commission thanked the committee for the work and noted that the five approved projects would use roughly half of the current year’s allocation. The commission’s next regular meeting is scheduled for Dec. 18, 2025.