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Indiana Main Street Program

Indiana's First Main Street circa 1732

Vincennes was designated an INDIANA MAIN STREET program in 2006. This committee is working on issues that will enhance the value of Indiana's oldest historic main street. Some of these issues include:

1) $750,000 infrastructure upgrade of main street. This is funded by a Community Block Grant from the Lt. Governor's office of $525,000 and generous matching funds from several local organizations. Work to begin in July 2007 with completion scheduled for late 2007. Watch here for progress reports.

2) $150,000 Loft development program that we affectionately call HISTORIC VIEWS. The goal is to develop our underutilized and/or unused space above street level on our main street to create high quality residential living space. The program is funded by city EDIT funds. Applications are now being accepted for 2007.

Vision for "Indiana's First Main Street":

The "Indiana's First Main Street" initiative is to develop a venue for community wide involvement to invest in Vincennes' Main Street area. This commission of individuals has been established to structurally redevelop the Main Street area through private, state and federal investments. Our objective is to make the city's heart the hub for commerce, government, aesthetic beauty and social interaction.

Founding Principles:

  • It is our belief that Main Street is the gauge of our communities vitality.
  • We will offer a forum for public input and publish accounts of our progress.
  • The commission is comprised of individuals from City Government, Downtown Merchants, Utilities, Media, KCDC, Historic Review Board, Vincennes UEA, Property Owners, CVB, Chamber of Commerce, the Director of Main Street Indiana and the Mayor of Vincennes. 
  • Cooperation and objectiveness will allow us to bring together the synergies and talents of each commission member. Simply, we do not care whose idea it was and hidden agendas, politics and individual domination/interest shall be unacceptable. The majority vote of this 15 member commission shall rule, with 9 voting members being a quorum.
  • The commission will utilize the 2002 Downtown Revitalization study for demographic and improvement data to aid in both private and state investment. 
  • This Commission is a committee of the Vincennes Urban Enterprise Board. The UEA board is comprised of 12 city residents appointed by the City Council, Mayor and Governor. The UEA board will act as the financial agent through which this commission operates.

People to Contact

LOFT DEVELOPMENT GRANT PROGRAM (HISTORIC VIEWS)

MARCH 2007 - The city of Vincennes and your UEA have joined together to create a grant program to encourage the development of high quality residential living space on our Historic Main Street.

1) $150,000 total program funded by city EDIT dollars over 3 years.

2) Grant applications are now being accepted. Contact the Mayor's office for details 882.7285.

3) Up to $10,000 per apartment available.