Redevelopment commission wins $1.5 million county appropriation to convert Murray Powell Elementary into early‑childhood center

Scott Craig, attorney for the county redevelopment commission, asked the Vermillion County Council to approve a $1,500,000 additional appropriation to renovate the 50,000‑square‑foot Murray Powell Elementary into an early‑childhood education center serving infants through pre‑K.

Craig told the council the project has been under study since 2022 and that the redevelopment commission has secured several funding commitments: $600,000 through a Ready 2.0 state grant allocation, $250,000 from the Terre Haute Casino Foundation, $20,000 from the Duke Energy Foundation and a $500,000 grant from the local community foundation. "We do have TIF revenues over the next decade that will be enough to enable us to reimburse the county in full," Craig said, describing the appropriation as an advance on projected TIF receipts.

Craig described a three‑phase renovation plan that would bring mechanical systems, fire suppression and classroom interiors up to state code for early childhood use. He said bids for phase 1 and phase 2 totaled about $4,046,750 after revisions and that bid changes reduced costs by roughly $331,000. The commission asked the council for immediate funding to meet grant deadline pressures and allow contracting this summer.

Representatives from the prospective operator described staffing and licensing plans. An operator partner (identified in the presentation) said the center would pursue the state’s highest quality rating and aim to serve infants through 6 years old, with roughly 10–12 classrooms and capacity for about 175 children. The operator emphasized background checks, accredited classroom leads and pay ranges designed to attract qualified staff.

Taylor Valle, president of the local community foundation, explained the foundation's $500,000 grant decision and described the project as aligned with a feasibility study that identified childcare shortages in Vermillion County. Bill Reynolds, a regional board representative, urged doing all phases at once to avoid multiple mobilizations that could increase cost.

On a motion from Mrs. Furry, seconded by Mr. Costello, the council approved the additional appropriation of $1,500,000 from certified shares (fund 9103) to the redevelopment commission capital outlays. The motion passed by voice vote; council members present recorded aye votes and the chair declared the appropriation approved. Council members also discussed using TIF revenues to repay the county over an estimated 10‑year period.

The redevelopment commission said next steps would include finalizing contracts and beginning construction with an anticipated start in September and phased occupancy possibilities the following year. Further grant outcomes and match calculations remain pending.