Summary of 2024 Update

What a fantastic 2024!

Auburn Main Street is celebrating being recognized for becoming a Nationally Accredited Main Street organization by meeting all the Indiana Main Street and state reporting requirements. Check us out online at our website www.auburnmainstreet.org

Here are some of the highlights of the past year. The City of Auburn Hoosiers Enduring Legacy Program or HELP is in the third year of the program and is working on the completion of the selected Memorial Park Legacy Project. 

The grant project will focus on completing ADA compliant restrooms and 12-foot-wide walking paths first, and then complete as many additional elements as possible until the estimated $1.9 million available for construction is depleted.  The plan for phase two may include a music area, hammocks in the park, an area for food trucks to park, baseball diamonds, fitness nodes, basketball, and pickle ball courts. 

Our Facade Grant Program aids in preserving our distinct historic designation of our downtown, maintains the buildings keeping the charm of downtown and throughout the TIF district. In 2024, we worked with 17 buildings culminating in 3 completed projects, 4 new applications and discussed building plans with 8 other businesses. 

We were selected to participate in the Ball State Technical Assistance Grant. The program provided 4 building facade design renderings for local businesses with respect to the building’s historical past. They also aided in enhancing our facade application and suggested enhanced program guidelines. All 4 owners found this helpful for bids.

Our Junior Auburn Main Street program learned about the Main Street 4 Point approach, reviewed community plans, explored various projects around Auburn, and participated in a Virtual AIM leadership workshop that lasted for 4 months.  The students decided they wanted to work with our local veterans to bring a Veteran Memorial to our community.

 They were selected to participate in the My Community My Vision program that allowed them to raise $50,000 in 50 days for a Match of $50,000. They met the goal. To date they have raised $182,863.50. There were 98 donations with over 240 patrons that contributed to this project. We are working locally with MSS Engineering and FCI Construction in Partnership with the American Legion Post 97, Cedar Creek Drainage Board, and the City of Auburn on this project. The Dekalb County Veteran Memorial will be located on 9th street next to Cedar Creek. The memorial is sure to be a place for reflection, gathering and ceremonies for generations to come.m and implementation of our mission in 2024.

The Paint the Crosswalks project led by our Junior Auburn Main Street members and the Auburn Main Street organization. We have 60 days to raise $7K. The group has the most giving patrons from Oct 1st to Dec 1st will win an additional $5K Match. 

The program focuses on painting crosswalks in various area locations in Auburn that will on use local artists to paint the crosswalks and positively impact the community in several ways. The project is a Patronicity, Lighter, Quicker, Cheaper Challenge Project. It will provide enhanced aesthetics to public spaces that are vibrant and visually appealing. This not only beautifies the neighborhood but can foster pride among residents. It will have community engagement by bringing together local artists, residents, and organizations. It will foster a sense of ownership and collaboration.

Each year we Promote Auburn and its events on social media, providing flyers and rack cards to businesses and hotels. We also work with DABA to have TV and holiday radio promos.

We held 12 First Friday events with some of the favorites being the Winter Fest Ice Sculptures, Cinco De Mayo, Culture Fest, Pumpkin Fest, Wine and Chocolate Tour, and Seasons Greetings. In 2025, we are shifting to Second Saturday’s (Feb, May, Aug, Oct, and Nov) to build on Saturday activities to attract locals and visitors to our community by building on our local Farmers Market with live music, business collaboration, and Food Trucks. 

We are a 501(c)3 nonprofit whose efforts are made possible by gifts from individuals and families, small business members, and major sponsors. Please consider joining Auburn Main Street's mission is to collaborate with our community to promote, advance, and preserve a vibrant historic downtown- rich in Art and Culture and inviting for all.  Please join us in our continued momentum. 

Sincerely,                   Board of Directors:

Ann Finchum       Jama Smith | Mike Littlejohn | Austin Macy |Logan Shank

Executive Director       Kate High |  Leslie Friedel | Lucas Straw | Sandra Tamez | 

Auburn Main Street           Mckenna Clifford | Mark Burnworth Jr. | Allie Cochran |

Our mission is to collaborate with our community to be an economic driver by promoting, advancing, and preserving a vibrant historic downtown that is welcoming to all.