City staff provided a detailed update on downtown redevelopment and housing projects at the Jan. 15 Muncie Redevelopment Commission meeting.

Jeff, speaking for city staff, said fabrication of the new gateway sign is near completion and installation should occur within weeks, weather permitting. He described the multiuse building procurement as active, with three developers reviewing proposals and an additional prospective anchor tenant in discussion; staff said they are open to other anchor options to advance the project.

On the Muncie Mall site, Jeff said interior environmental remediation and demolition are nearing completion but exterior demolition has been delayed. He explained engineers are working through how to maintain sprinkler water supply and gas lines while removing structures — a sequencing and cost issue that has paused exterior work until the engineers provide a plan.

Regarding housing, Jeff said a Doctor Horton subdivision (Jackson Morrison) was approved for 126 single-family homes priced roughly in the $300,000–$350,000 range and anticipated to start construction in late summer; he also said the city is finalizing terms with the same builder on an east-side project expected to yield about 200–250 homes. Separately, a Riggan Road project of about 42 homes is under negotiation, with an economic-development agreement drafted and under review.

Jeff estimated combined near-term residential growth from these and nearby projects could add roughly 120 households to the near West End and potentially generate hundreds of thousands of dollars in new annual property tax revenue when built out.

Quote: "We've talked to 3 developers that are actively reviewing the project, and we actually have engaged an additional prospective anchor tenant," Jeff said. "Advancing the project is a top priority for us."

The city also reported that 11 'store' lots previously in a flood zone have been mitigated but a formal LOMAR remains pending; developers are awaiting the LOMAR before proceeding with sales or construction.