Lt. Governor Beckwith, OCRA announce North Vernon as 2025 PreservINg Main Street community

NORTH VERNON, Ind. (Sept. 22, 2025) - The Office of Lt. Governor Micah Beckwithand the Indiana Office of Community and Rural Affairstoday announced North Vernon as the 2025 PreservINg Main Street community. The PreservINg Main Street grantwill provide the community with up to $2 million to revitalize historic buildings in the downtown district.

"Indiana's historic Main Streets consist of more than just buildings," Lieutenant Governor Beckwith said. "They are a symbol of community pride. Congratulations to North Vernon for creating opportunity, growth and prosperity."

PreservINg Main Street is a joint effort between OCRA, Indiana Humanitiesand Indiana Landmarks. The multifaceted community development program is designed to build a sustainable historic preservation community ethic, increase local capacity for Main Street programs and serve as a comprehensive downtown revitalization model.

"Congratulations to North Vernon on this great achievement," OCRA Executive Director Fred Glynn said. "The community's pride and enthusiasm for the PreservINg Main Street grant opportunity was evident during the site visit. Our team at OCRA looks forward to working with North Vernon and seeing how this program transforms the downtown corridor."

A Historic Preservation Commission will be formed by the community as a result of the grant program. Additionally, through the program, North Vernon will create enhanced design guidelines in conjunction with Indiana Landmarks to tell North Vernon's story with the help of Indiana Humanities.

"For the past four years, Indiana Humanities has been proud to partner with OCRA and Indiana Landmarks on the PreservINg Main Street Grant," said George Hanlin, director of grants at Indiana Humanities. "Not only has the grant helped to save important structures in the recipients' downtown districts, it has also brought communities together to learn history, tell stories, and celebrate shared bonds, which has had a hugely positive impact."

Through this grant, North Vernon Main Street and the City of North Vernon will continue the momentum of downtown redevelopment already taking place and gain the energy needed to bring residents and visitors to the Main Street district.

"Indiana Landmarks is pleased to partner with OCRA and Indiana Humanities on the PreservINg Main Street initiative to revitalize and sustain our historic downtowns," says Mark Dollase, vice president of Preservation Services. "North Vernon was the ideal selection for this program, showing a combination of need, planning and enthusiasm. We look forward to working with the community to preserve its historic character and strengthen their small businesses."

All PreservINg Main Street projects must be completed by December 2027.

To learn more about the PreservINg Main Street program, visit in.gov/ocra/preserving-main-street.