The Indiana Economic Development Corporation (IEDC) joined local and regional officials in Avon to break ground on Easton Grey, a new mixed-use development that will create a central hub and bring housing, commercial development and amenities to central Indiana residents.
Governor Eric J. Holcomb established the now $1.25 billion READI program in 2021, and it has since been nationally recognized for its success. READI 1.0 was established with an initial $500 million in partnership with the Indiana General Assembly and is bringing vibrancy to regions across the state to accelerate shovel-ready projects and programs that will transform Hoosier communities, attract talent and improve quality of life.
“Indiana’s READI program is paving the way, setting the perfect example of how communities can collaborate to invest in their futures and in their people,” said Mark Wasky, SVP and special counsel to the secretary of commerce at the IEDC. “Now, Hoosier cities and towns like Avon can look forward to new amenities and public green spaces that support businesses, residents and families alike, setting the stage for continued economic and community growth for years to come.”
In Avon, READI matching funds are being leveraged to support public infrastructure for Republic Development’s Easton Grey project ($877,778 READI 1.0 allocation), a 500-acre, mixed-use community along White Lick Creek that will usher in a new central gathering place for the town of Avon. The development will be centered around a 65-acre Riverwalk District and civic complex featuring public spaces, a new Avon Town Hall and administrative offices for the school corporation, shops and restaurants and offering unique opportunities for community gathering. The project will also create new residential housing across five distinct neighborhoods, adding approximately 1,400 new homesites to increase housing options and availability for families and seniors.
"Easton Grey is poised to become the vibrant heart of Avon, offering a safe and thriving community for residents and visitors alike,” said Greg Zusan, president of the Avon Town Council. “With its Riverwalk District, Civic Center and an array of amenities, Easton Grey will be an easily accessible and walkable hub that enhances the quality of life for all. This development is a crucial step in making Avon one strong community. We're excited to see Easton Grey bring people together and create new opportunities for engagement and enjoyment."
READI 1.0 has awarded $487 million to 353 unique projects and programs across the state, yielding $12.6 billion invested (26:1 investment leverage ratio) in quality of life, quality of place and quality of opportunity initiatives. READI 2.0, which was part of Gov. Holcomb’s 2023 Next Level Agenda and secured additional funding awarded by the Lilly Endowment, is allocating another $750 million to accelerate community development investments statewide. This funding is expected to attract a minimum 4:1 match of local public and private funding, yielding at least $3 billion invested to increase the vibrancy and prosperity of Hoosier communities.
Avon is part of the READI 1.0 180 Alliance region – led by the West Central Indiana Alliance – that was awarded $20 million in READI 1.0 matching funds to support quality of life, quality of place and quality of opportunity projects across Boone, Hendricks, Johnson, Montgomery, Morgan and Putnam counties. The region’s READI investments, including Easton Grey, are designed to bolster the region’s quality of life, outdoor recreation, arts and culture, housing for talent attraction, infrastructure improvements and talent development.