Thursday, September 11, 2025
AUBURN, Ind. – Stuart and Abby Hood, owners of Assurance Title Company, 120 W. Eighth Street took advantage of the Auburn Façade Program for the second time as they continue to make improvements to their property.
The Hoods were presented with a check $12,231.90 Wednesday morning from Auburn Main Street Executive Director Ann Finchum and Auburn Redevelopment Commission President Shelley Smaltz. The total project cost was $24,463.80.
For the second phase of the restoration work the Hoods replaced the stucco and painted the façade of the building. The first phase included new windows, and the black roof coping to match. New fencing and signage was also installed.
The program is a partnership between the City of Auburn, Auburn Redevelopment Commission and Auburn Main Street. Façade grants allow local business owners to repair and renovate the exterior of those buildings, 50 years and older located within the Economic Revitalization Area.
Business owners are eligible for $15,000 in matching grant monies. Grant applications and other information about the program is available on the City’s website at https://ci.auburn.in.us/161/Building-Planning-Development or by contacting Facade Review and Design Committee Chair, Logan Shank 260.515.3967 or logan.shank01@gmail.com.
A 100-percent reimbursement of actual architectural or engineering costs associated with façade improvements, providing the owner utilizes the technical input in the façade renovation, not to exceed $2,500 is also available.
Since the program’s inception eight grants have been awarded totaling $131,573.02 in investment of private/public dollars within the city ‘s historic downtown district and surrounding area.