HANCOCK COUNTY — The town of McCordsville recently received a $25,000 Ignite grant from The Community Foundation of Hancock County (CFHC) that will go towards amenities in the town’s new center that is currently under construction.
CFHC announced in a press release that their Ignite grant was awarded to McCordsville on Oct. 23, after a process that started in June. Katie Ottinger, community investment and grants officer for CFHC said that letters of interest were due for the grant in July with grants being awarded September through October.
Ottinger said that the grant was awarded to McCordsville due to being approved by the grant committee as the letter of interest aligned with supporting community-driven projects and quick-win transformations that promote connections, enhance the community both physically and socially, while adding an artistic aspect.
Ottinger also said that the Ignite grants are invitations only for Celebrating Communities partners.
“This is a group convened by the Community Foundation that includes city/town governments and Main Street organizations. Applicants must meet our general grantmaking eligibility guidelines as well,” Ottinger said.
The Ignite grant will help fund McCord Square features that will be focal points for the new center. Those amenities include a bubbling boulder water feature and a drinking/pet fountain.
A second boulder will be on the north side of Main Street which will create a sitting area along the sidewalk. In the park they will also have a fire boulder by the pond to help provide light and warmth for the community.
“Our project is about taking spaces and making them into places,” said Ryan Crum, assistant town manager in the press release. “Community vibrancy is created when people have places that provide opportunities to interact and engage.”
Reported by the Daily Reporter in late 2022 when the first announcements of McCord Square arose, it was said that the project was estimated at $50 million, with “the first phase of that endeavor includes infrastructure for the 48-acre McCord Square Downtown District as well as McCord Square Apartments – two four-story buildings with a total of 205 apartments, including one- and two-bedroom units. Six 1,000-square-foot commercial studios are planned for the buildings’ first floors. Community amenities will include a courtyard, indoor/outdoor café, pool with cabanas and workstations, rooftop co-working lounge, pet park and spa, wellness studio, indoor bike storage and clubhouse.”
The press release also shared that the first phase of McCord Square is expected to open to the public in summer 2024; the amenities funded by the Ignite grant will all be accessible to the public by the end of 2024.
CFHC shared that if someone is interested in supporting more of these projects in Hancock County, please consider donating to the Ignite Fund at CelebrateHancock.org.
“The Community Foundation applauds the Town of McCordsville for focusing on community vibrancy, social engagement, beautification, and quality of place with this project,” Ottinger said. “We are excited to see and experience McCord Square once it is complete!”
