The team at Fort Wayne-Allen County Airport Authority strives everyday to provide world-class facilities and a safe environment for the traveling   While Fort Wayne International Airport (FWA) is the second largest commercial service airport in Indiana, it has the smallest terminal building.  
Project Gateway will allow for the expansion of the number of gates and allow the airport to use all 11 aircraft parking positions simultaneously to better serve our airline partners and our passengers. With $3 million in funding from the IEDC, FWA will be poised to become a best-in-class facility, and an exceptional front door to our community. 
Amenities available with the completion of the West Phase of Project Gateway include:
•	Improved air filtration system to limit the spread of viruses and bacteria.
•	Passenger boarding bridges at 7 of the 11 gates.
•	Improved wayfinding signage.
•	A truly accessible facility for persons with disabilities.
•	Updated baggage processing system.
•	Additional space in the ticketing lobby
•	Increased gate room space and seating capacity to accommodate larger aircraft.
Through 2019, FWA had experienced ten years of positive growth that included four consecutive record-breaking years. And while COVID-19 reduced U.S. national travel by an average of 65% in 2020, FWA saw a decrease of only 45%.  
Activity at FWA in 2021 continued to rebound and was off 2019 record numbers by 14%.  FWA continues to show improvement in passenger enplanements in 2022.   According to a January 2020 report by Community Research Institute, the Fort Wayne-Allen County Airport Authority had an economic impact of $536.1M in northeast Indiana.  Additionally, FWA completed a $13M airside ramp project that addressed safety and capacity issues and facilitates the expansion of the terminal.  
Northeast Indiana is enjoying phenomenal economic growth, and a world-class airport is a key player in attracting new business to the region.

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Phase II of Riverfront continues the City of Fort Wayne’s initiative to revitalize the central riverfront by extending the space from Promenade Park west to Ewing St. and east to Clinton St. It features an extension of the elevated "Tree Canopy Trail", boat docks, bouldering mound, hammock grove, trails, gathering spaces, and resilient features such as native plantings, bioswales, and pervious pavement. Riverfront is a neighborhood park with a regional draw, designed for equity, inclusion, and resiliency. The space is located within a HUD-designated Qualified Census Tract, where household income is less than 50% of the county average. The City of Fort Wayne will provide funding to cover design, engineering and some of the construction costs. READI funds will be used to cover the remaining construction costs. Construction is anticipated to begin before the end of 2022 and be completed by the end of 2024. The project will not only create an outdoor space for the enjoyment of surrounding neighborhood residents; but will also catalyze private development and create a vibrant mixed-use district that will provide a financial boost to the area. .

Village Premier is a mixed-income and mixed-use development that will transform approximately 20 acres in the Southeast Quadrant of Fort Wayne into a vibrant, walkable neighborhood. The project consists of three phases: Phase I consists of 208 workforce housing units utilizing the 4% Bond Rental Housing Tax Credit program which will target individuals/households making between 50%-60% of the Area Median Income, and approximately 30 for-sale single-family and/or townhomes. 

Phases II and III include approximately 65 senior affordable housing units through the 9% Rental Housing Tax Credit competitive application serving individuals making between 30%-60% of the Area Median Income, and approximately 30,000 square feet of commercial which will potentially include a healthcare clinic, daycare, and various other commercial retail offerings including coffee shop, restaurants, etc.

READI funds will primarily be used to construct the affordable units. READI funds will also be used for landscaping, site excavation, sewer, concrete, and roadway paving. The project is expected to start in October 2021 and be completed by October 2025.

Availability of a skilled workforce is a top concern identified in Allen County’s 2021 economic development plan, while increasing the housing supply is a fundamental aspect of population growth. Increasing the supply of affordable housing must occur for the region to continue to attract and retain major employers and expand employment opportunities.

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The primary activity is to prepare a 12-acre site for the construction of 44 single-family homes on the former site of Parkview Wabash Hospital, near downtown Wabash. READI funds will be used for site remediation and above & below ground public infrastructure. Specific line items: engineering, surveying, water, sewer/stormwater installation & connection, off-street parking, walking path, street & traffic control signage, streetlights, street paving, common area landscaping and site amenities. An approximate timeline for the project: Site remediation- Fall 2022; lots ready for sale-Spring 2023. Construction loans will be offered through the Ideal Suburban Homes or through the homebuyer’s lender. Down Payment Assistance & Affordable Loans: The City of Wabash has authorized Hoosier Homes which offers up to 5% in down payment assistance for eligible homebuyers. Crossroads Bank is offering affordable loan products. Intended Outcomes: To create a reproducible model utilizing Residential TIF for adding workforce housing in rural communities; Optimize production through a secondary infusion of affordable housing.

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Noble County, in collaboration with local partners, seek to establish the iSMART Lab, an Industry 4.0 robotics/smart factory lab. The goal is to provide a space where individuals can develop new workforce skills and be trained in advanced Industry 4.0 technologies. The iSMART Lab, which will be housed at the Community Learning Center in Kendallville, will serve students from 14 area high schools by providing a first-of-its-kind 2-year high school CTE program. In addition to high school students, the iSMART Lab will also be available to adult learners to take coursework on specific Industry 4.0 fields of study. To ensure skill validation for graduates of the lab, certifications will be offered through the Smart Automation Certification Alliance (SACA) at one of three levels: Associate, Specialist, or Professional. Certifications are stackable, allowing learners to earn multiple micro-certifications to document their skills. Classes start in August 2022 for high schoolers and October 2022 for others. A coalition of partners provided funding to cover construction/infrastructure and some equipment. READI funds will be used to cover some of the equipment costs. 
The Lab will create a talent pipeline with 800-1200 graduates with advanced Industry 4.0 skills. This will create a critical talent pipeline of workers with the skills required by the region’s most advanced manufacturers, making northeast Indiana the place for manufacturers to invest in new technologies and equipment.

Biggs has been awarded the necessary resources to properly rehab the Rivergreen Apartments in Huntington, IN in order to bring the property up to modern standards. This extensive renovation will completely restore the interior of the units. Funds will also address important site issues including Section 504 accessibility issues and storm water drainage issues. By making these improvements now we will be able to prevent the property from falling into functional obsolescence, being shuttered and permanently displacing residents.
Biggs is seeking to secure $249,000 in READI funds to assist with the construction costs. The pledge of these funds allowed the recipient to submit a very competitive winning application to IHCDA for 9% Rental Housing Tax Credits. With the successful award of tax credits, this relatively small investment has leveraged over $5M of additional private investment into the community through the syndication of these tax credits. The project is scheduled from 6/23-03/24. The match is provided by a combination of syndicated RHTC credits, private loans (River Hills and Lument) and developer equity, Biggs TC loan and deferred developer fees, as well as USDA loan and a City of Huntington grant. The Rivergreen apartments project will provide affordable housing in the small city of Huntington using a combination of rental housing tax credits as well as public and private sources.

The Housing Resource Hub (“The Hub”) proposes a 154-unit workforce housing development located near downtown Topeka in LaGrange County, Indiana. With a population of approximately 40,000, a median home value of $199,000 and a median household income of approximately $62,400, LaGrange County’s old world charm is a major attraction for new residents and visitors, alike. Under the direction of leadership from the towns of LaGrange, Shipshewana and Topeka, LaGrange County, the LaGrange County Economic Development Corporation and the president of Farmers State Bank, The Hub developed a housing strategy in 2019. LaGrange County’s housing market potential at the time was nearly 1,200 households with incomes over $40,000 looking to make LaGrange County their home every year. Of these households looking for new housing opportunities in LaGrange County, approximately 83 percent are Traditional and Nontraditional families and Younger Singles & Couples, making Topeka’s expansive new community a perfect catalyst housing project to kick off the LaGrange County Workforce Housing Strategy. All in all, LaGrange County needs to build upwards of 475 new housing units if it is to achieve its own market potential. READI funds will be used for infrastructure costs including engineering and design. The project is estimated to start in October 2022 and be completed in April 2023.

After growing in the 1990s, Avilla saw most new home construction stop by 2005, leaving planned subdivisions undeveloped. From 2017-2021, Granite Ridge tested the Avilla market and built and sold 40 homes, finishing the Cranberry Acres neighborhood. Given this success, they recently acquired unfinished lots in two more developments and received final plat approvals. Due to the rising costs of infrastructure, however, Granite Ridge has advised the town they are not going to finish homes in Watercrest and plan to split construction in Orchard Valley into two phases in an attempt to spread out costs and maintain affordability for buyers.

This project will complete the build-out of Watercrest (13 single-family villaminiums) and Orchard Valley (for 40 upscale, mid-range homes.) Both neighborhoods are well-established, with some utilities adjacent to the sites. Significant investment is needed for water, storm sewer, roads, detention areas, and excavation in order to move forward. READI funds will contribute to all of these investments.

Home sales in recent months confirm strong local demand. Homes are listed one day and sold the next, with many transactions happening without sales agents as people try to help one another. In order to increase the workforce and stabilize employee turnover attributed to long commutes, the resident population must grow, which requires more housing. 

Grant support will reduce lot prices, improve affordability, and expedite home construction.

Cameron Memorial Community Hospital plans to develop and build an Education and Innovation Center with the intent to collaborate with the health science program at Trine University. Our focus is to produce fundamental advances in care for individuals and communities, through educating and training students and community members to meet our state’s growing and rapidly changing health care needs.
This innovative education training center will allow students, nurses, first responders, and community members a place for education, and hands-on training that will impact our region. Some of the trainings offered include; Basic Life Support CPR courses, Stop the Bleed program presentations, Healthy living classes, Exercise and Diet offerings, Medication safety, Pregnancy and Birthing classes, Presenting at area schools annually on current health topics, and Presentations by Trine University partners on topics of public health interest to name a few. This state-of-the-art center will include a simulation lab where the learners interact with life-like patients and simulations where they take everything they have learned and put into practice. There will also be space that can be utilized for lectures, clinicals, testing and community meetings. The Education and Innovation Center will help combat the staffing shortages in the health science industry such as nursing shortages that are seen locally and nationally.

Working closely with our partner, Parkview Health, Trine Fort Wayne – College of Health Professions will transform health care education and training in Northeast Indiana. READI funds will be used for the construction of a $44 million, 4-story, 120,000-square-foot building on a 10.6-acre parcel located at Union Chapel Road in Fort Wayne (Allen County). 

The project will provide leading-edge healthcare academic programs and facilities – including a unique Simulated Patient Care Center (SimCenter) – that have been carefully designed and developed to serve specific needs in the marketplace.

Academic programs will include: Associate degree in Surgical Technology, Associate, Bachelor and Master degrees in Nursing, Bachelor degrees in Emergency Medical Science, Respiratory Therapy, and Radiological Science, Master degrees in Speech-Language Pathology and Physician Assistant Studies, and Doctorate degrees in Occupational Therapy, Physical Therapy and Medical Sciences. 

Healthcare professions are not only very much in demand, especially in Indiana and our region, but the need is growing and the salaries are excellent - all of which results in a more stronger, more vibrant local economy. 

In addition to Parkview Health, collaborative partners include regional charitable foundations, private donors, and numerous clinical partners. Project planning and design is already underway, with construction expected to begin in fall of 2022 and  completion in fall of 2024.

Arts United requests $6 million to advance Arts Campus Fort Wayne, a state-designated cultural district,
by modernizing and expanding the Arts United Center, an iconic community theatre designed by worldfamous architect Louis Kahn. The project will enhance the accessibility and functionality of the Arts
United Center on behalf of local and regional performing arts organizations and their audiences.
The capital investment in a new HVAC system directly responds to the COVID-19 emergency which
negatively impacted performing arts venues like the AUC. This project supports the financial recovery of
arts and culture nonprofits that were negatively impacted by the COVID-19 closures of public spaces and
social distancing requirements which led to audience and revenue reductions of an average of 70% in
2020 and 2021.
Schematic design is currently in process, with design development and construction documents
completed in 2023. Closing on financing is planned for Q1 2024 with construction beginning in Q2 of
2024. Project completion is anticipated by Q3 2026.
Funding sources include $9 million local public funding, $6 million READI, $12,023,639 private
philanthropy, and $3,212,571 in PNC financing for a total project budget of $30,236,210.
Through the extensive modernization of the Arts United Center and newly created access to rehearsal
and workshop spaces, Arts United will broaden its reach and deepen its community impact while also
engaging new performing groups and audiences.

The Lofts at Headwaters Park is a proposed $90 million mixed-use project with 232 apartments, retail, and structured parking that will be constructed at the corner of Superior and Clinton streets. 
READI funds will be used for a combination of city and developer-initiated construction and remediation activities at the site, including removal of contaminated soils, installation of a groundwater collection and treatment system, and public sewer and pedestrian infrastructure around the site, which is in a qualified census tract.
The project is expected to begin construction by the end of Q1, 2023.  The public parking garage component of the project will be open by the end of Q1, 2024.  The mixed-use portion of the project would be completed in Q3, 2025.
The property is currently a parking lot. An analysis by Baker Tilly anticipates that the Lofts will generate approximately $927,000 in new property taxes each year, and an IMPLAN analysis estimates an annual economic impact of more than $27,550,000. The State of Indiana should expect to receive approximately $1.2 million in annual tax revenue attributable to the development.  In addition to these new tax revenues, the project will add approximately 400 new residents to our downtown, provide convenient parking for downtown festivals, and continue the growth of our Urban Trail to connect the city’s largest downtown attractions to safer, more convenient bike and pedestrian infrastructure, creating a more vibrant downtown.

Workforce housing will be the largest component of Invest DeKalb: LIVE. Between 75 and 150 market rate dwelling units in the form of apartments and/or townhomes will be constructed on the Seven 15 Property. This is an ideal location because of proximity to transportation infrastructure (Interstate-69) and proximity to goods and services in an environment that can be developed with pedestrian-friendly infrastructure. 
Fortify Home LLC purchased a former hotel at 1115 W Seventh Street (State Road 8) in Auburn in July 2022. Fortify Home, LLC, a disregarded entity operating under the Jason and Joann Sweitzer Family Foundation, will renovate and operate the Fortify Home facility, while Fortify Life will provide all the programing for the facility. The building will be converted into a facility to provide emergency and intermediate housing for those facing homelessness or home insecurity. The renovation will result in 28 efficiency units with a common area for kitchen, dining, and laundry plus administrative and office space.

READI funds will be used for infrastructure costs such as sewer, water, roadway paving, and utilities. READI funds will also be used for renovation. The project started in December 2021 and is expected to be completed in December 2025

In the southern part of Wells County, there are no preschools for the students that feed into our school district to attend.  Therefore, our students are not as ready for Kindergarten as they should be.  This has become increasingly more evident since COVID.  READI funds will be used to repurpose a classroom in the high school to utilize as a preschool and early childhood education classroom for high school students.  Construction is planned for March with the plan to open in August 2023.  The school will use equity from existing school funds to pay for the reconstruction and materials of the room.  We anticipate the preschool to be an On My Way Pre-K Level 3 program while beginning the transition to elementary school for our local students.

In 2015 the City of Huntington and AP Development LLC led a partnership to transform UB Block as the Arts and Entrepreneurship Center and UB Lofts. The result was transformational, bringing energy to downtown. The 37 market rate apartments attracted a diverse population, while HAEC has become a hub of activity, connectivity and creativity. Seeking to build on that success, the city has developed an ambitious plan to renovate the 66,300 SF Annex and 34,888 SF Opera Block. The $20.5 million project supports the City’s Comprehensive Plan, including revitalization of Huntington’s historic buildings. With UB Block, the 101,388 sq ft project will add more than 115 new apartments and 220 new residents downtown while creating nearly 25,000 SF of art, entrepreneurship and innovation space and retail. Little River Lofts meets the objectives of the NEI RDA’s READI Initiative, including Downtown Vibrancy and Growing the Workforce. The redevelopment of 101,388 sq ft will completely transform these buildings to serve as a western anchor complimenting UB Block’s eastern edge. The impact will be transformational, building on Huntington’s success in continually reimagining its unique downtown. Little River Lofts will increase downtown housing alternatives for those who look to live, work and play in Huntington. The project is scheduled from 6/24-6/25. READI funds will be used for vital infrastructure. City of Huntington to provide match.

Recently, the Town of Churubusco has made positive changes in the downtown area, but the closure of PNC Bank left a void in the center of town. This closure provides a perfect opportunity for Churubusco to solve issues that have plagued our community for several years. These issues were addressed in the Town’s 2014 Comprehensive plan, the Town’s 2017 Stellar Communities Strategic Investment Plan, and community surveys. These issues include a larger home for Churubusco Public Library, creating a safe space for at-risk children after school, a space that would be utilized to provide adult education classes and entrepreneurship training, and a large outdoor space that would be utilized for downtown community events and pop-up shops. The Town of Churubusco purchased and will use READI funds to remodel the vacant 13,800 s.f. building in downtown Churubusco for the Churubusco Civic Center. Once remodeled, this building will provide a new home for the Churubusco Public Library, an after-school program for at-risk youth hosted by Mission 25 and The Center, a large meeting room/classroom that utilized by the Churubusco Chamber of Commerce, SBA, and Smith-Green Community Schools for entrepreneurship classes and adult education opportunities. Estimated project timeline: 03/01/23-09/30/24. Match is from The Town of Churubusco, Whitley County Community Foundation, Churubusco Public Library, Churubusco Community Coalition, Churubusco Chamber of Commerce, and Churubusco Rotary Club.

The Town of Ossian has worked closely with Biggs, Inc., for a proposed Single-Family Development on the north side of Ossian along State Road 1. The proposed development calls for 161 Lots to be constructed, accommodating 113 Single-Family homes and 48 Single-Family Villa homes. 
According to the 2020 US Census, the Town of Ossian had 3,266 residents with an average median household income of $52,500. 
The Town of Ossian is well situated approximately 9 miles south of the Fort Wayne International Airport and the significant number of industrial/warehousing investments that are taking place on the south side of Fort Wayne. Ossian provides nearby access to housing accommodating both growth in the southern Allen County area as well as job growth occurring in Ossian & Wells County. 
To accommodate the proposed development, READI funds will be used for a new lift station, water, sewer, and road access will need to be completed. The Town of Ossian has also asked Biggs, Inc., to increase the size of the water & sewer lines in Phase 1 of the development to accommodate future development to the north of the proposed Biggs, Inc., development. This increase of water and sewer lines, lift station upsized and increased depth, will allow for sustainable growth of the community at a lower cost for future development. Additionally, the Town of Ossian is working to address the need to provide septic elimination for an area north of town. The project will run from 3/1/23 to 12/31/24.

The City of Decatur and the MERIT Center Board are revitalizing a former elementary. The MERIT Center exists to serve the local and surrounding populations of Adams County. The purpose of this facility is to be a one-stop service center to lift people into new opportunities. Currently, the MERIT Center houses local non-profit offices that all share a goal to help better the community with quality-of-life initiatives. The Adams County Council on Aging Senior Center is one of the organizations housed here and this brings many activities to the space. King’s Kingdom Preschool and Childcare will be housed in a wing of the building, helping to bridge the gap of childcare needs in the community. There are also adult education courses that are continuously being offered at this location. Currently, the Decatur Police Department uses a room for training purposes and there is a vision to expand this in purchasing a virtual simulator. 
As an old elementary school, the building will need upgrades to be functional. The boilers and chillers in the building need to be replaced. Currently, the parking lot needs resurfacing and repainting of the striping in the parking lot. READI funds will be used for the replacement of the HVAC units. The project will run from 10/23/23-6/12/24. Matching funds from: City of Decatur, Decatur Police Department, Early Learning Indiana, Adams County Community Foundation, Adams County Council on Aging, Connect To Careers, & Adams County.

The City of Decatur plans to renovate an existing downtown building for business/office use. In 2022 the City of Decatur took ownership of this building, as it had fallen into a state of disrepair. Since, the City has taken steps to stabilize and find a suitable use for the building. The Adams County Economic Development Corporation (ACEDC) began searching for new office space at the end of 2021, with few options available. The ACEDC approached the City of Decatur about this building. It was determined that ACEDC should explore the use of the building by hiring a consultant to conduct a preliminary design. That has been completed with a planned floor plan and high-level estimates for construction. The ACEDC exists to cultivate a strong economy where businesses and residents can thrive. To that end, the ACEDC believes in providing services that foster growth, development, and future focused results for Adams County. The ACEDC desires to have the location and office space that is best suited for this endeavor. The purpose of this project is an office suited for enhanced services such as entrepreneurial programming, co-working, tourism, & more. The partnership between the City of Decatur and the ACEDC is a well-worn path with many great accomplishments. READI funds will be used for construction and rehabilitation of the building. The project will run from 8/1/23-10/1/24. Match is provided by the City of Decatur, First Bank of Berne, FCC LLC, NIPSCO, & ACEDC.

Maplecrest to Norms Point, where Lincoln Highway and IN-930 split.  A mixed-use building will be along the front on project facing Lincoln Highway.  The mixed-use building will have retail on the first floor, office space to house an entrepreneurial incubator on the second floor, and the third and fourth floor will be housing.  The residential portion will have a total of 135 units.  There will be a mix of garages and on-street parking provided for each unit.  New Haven’s first dog park will be included in this project. The project is projected to start on 6/30/23 and be complete by 6/30/25. READI funds will be used for lot development including infrastructure. Matching funds will be coming from the City of New Haven, The People's State Bank and Crossroads New Haven, LLC.

Village Premier is a mixed-income development transforming 20 acres in Southeast Fort Wayne into a vibrant, walkable neighborhood center. Phase I of the project consisted of 208 workforce housing units and 12 for-sale, single-family homes. Phase II, the portion of the project represented in this application, includes a not-for-profit health clinic ($4.2 million) and market rate townhomes ($5.5 million). READI funds will be used directly in the construction of the health clinic. For Phase II, the City of Fort Wayne will provide the land at a nominal purchase price and a tax abatement. Upon completion, this project will reinvigorate a neighborhood with new public spaces, needed neighborhood amenities, and a mix of affordable housing options. The $1 million READI funds will be used for the construction of the commercial building that will house the neighborhood health clinic in a qualified census tract. Partners include House Investments (developer) and Meridian Health (health care provider). The city is partnering with House Investments to develop the full site. Phase 2 has a 12-month construction timeline from closing with health care facility beginning construction in summer 2024 and completed summer 2025. Will include primary care, behavioral health, dental care, pediatrics, and other services.

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The Northeast Region is home to iconic brands like Vera Bradley and General Motors. Its 797,000 residents reside across 11 counties. This region was awarded the maximum READI 1.0 funds of $50 million.

Region Overview:

Northeast

List of Counties:

Projects in Northeast