CULVER, Ind. (Nov. 8, 2017) – The Indiana Economic Development Corporation (IEDC) has approved Regional Cities Initiative funding to support the Sand Hill Farm Development in Culver. Local and regional officials will break ground on the project later today.

“North central Indiana is investing in its residents and in its future through projects like the Sand Hill Farm Development,” said Elaine Bedel, president of the IEDC. “As the region’s economy continues to flourish, providing more quality housing options will help attract talent to north central Indiana while supporting the area’s existing Hoosier workforce.”

SAND HILL FARM DEVELOPMENT
A recent market study suggested that rental availability in the area is between one and two percent. To address this shortage, the Sand Hill Farm Development project, located at 540 W. Jefferson St., will provide additional housing options to the region’s growing workforce, helping the town of Culver and surrounding communities to grow their population, increase school enrollment and property assessments.

The development will transform a 14-acre wooded parcel into a 24-unit apartment complex, with access to neighborhood parks and the downtown district. The project is expected to be complete next year.

Total Project Investment: $3.8 million
State funding: $270,000

“Culver’s housing development journey began when the town adopted its comprehensive plan and was propelled forward when Elkay Wood Products announced its first of two expansions in 2015,” said Ginny Monroe, president of the Culver Town Council. “Workforce housing is so important to this community that Sand Hill Farm development is at the core of our Stellar Plan, and I believe that it is a main reason we won designation from the state.”

“I was raised in Culver and live and work in Marshall County. I’m committed to make this project a success,” said Kevin Berger, owner of Culver Sand Hill Farms, LLC. and Easterday Construction. “Sand Hill Farm allows me to give back to Culver. In addition, this community has demonstrated an ability to build consensus behind providing workforce housing, a laser focus to grow the town and a clear understanding that the town needs to invest in themselves if they want the private sector to invest their capital in the community.”

Regional Cities Initiative in North Central Indiana:
These project were recommended for funding by the South Bend-Elkhart Regional Development Authority (RDA) and are part of the region’s Smart Connected Communities plan, which outlines 39 regional development projects in three counties totaling $703 million in quality of place investments.

The South Bend-Elkhart region was one of three Indiana regions selected to receive state funding through the Regional Cities Initiative, which will allocate a total of $126 million toward 100 quality of place projects totaling more than $2 billion in combined state, local and private investment in order to retain and attract top talent to the Hoosier state.

About Indiana Regional Cities Initiative
The Indiana Regional Cities Initiative sets a framework for neighboring communities across the state to work together to develop regional visions that are supported by compelling strategic plans focused on quality of place. The initiative will help each region develop a positive and unique national brand to advance the goal of becoming a destination for talent. Passed in 2015 with bipartisan support by the Indiana General Assembly, the initiative is overseen by the Indiana Economic Development Corporation. To learn more visit www.IndianaRegionalCities.com or follow on Twitter at @Indiana_EDC, #INRegionalCities.

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Media Contacts:
Jerry Chavez (Marshall County) – 574.935.8499
Abby Gras (IEDC) – 317.232.8845 or agras@iedc.in.gov