Redevelopment commission approves four façade grants totaling about $34,650; year-to-date spend exceeds $109,000

The Muncie Redevelopment Commission on Dec. 18 approved four façade grant awards recommended by the façade grant committee, totaling approximately $34,650 for projects including a parking-lot resurfacing, carriage-house stabilization, a commercial façade rebuild and awning removal for local theater space.

Commissioner Bishop listed the recommended projects: Gregory Gibson, 712 West 7th (Buttonhole Bar) — a $16,000 parking-lot project with a recommended 50% match cap of $8,000; Victoria Linson, 616 East Washington — carriage-house stabilization with the committee recommending the highest contractor quote ($31,000) to best preserve the structure and a 50% match of $15,500; Scott Mick, 2100 West White River (White River Plaza) — façade rebuild with a $35,000 project cost and a $15,000 match cap because the site is outside the 1‑mile downtown radius; and Laura Williamson on behalf of the Muncie Civic Theater, 300 East Main — awning removal with a $6,300 project cost and a $3,150 match.

Bishop said approving this month's recommended awards would place the year-to-date total at just over $109,000 with roughly $41,000 remaining in the program. Staff clarified the remaining funds do not automatically roll over; the downtown TIF allocation resets in the next fiscal cycle.

An audience member asked during the discussion about public comment and addresses; Tanya Side, executive director of the Muncie Arts and Culture Council, later used the public‑comment period to confirm for the commission that a recent 308 South Walnut project did not use public funds and that nearly $10,000 in private funds were raised and routed through the council for administration.

Each of the four façade applications was moved and approved individually by recorded voice votes during the meeting.