Monday, November 10, 2025
AUBURN, Ind. – Restoration work on two more downtown buildings was recently completed with assistance from the Auburn Façade Program.
Jeff and Diane Metcalf owners of 203 & 209 N. Main Street replaced the front windows of both stores giving them an updated look and allowing for better energy efficiency. The Olive Twist occupies 203 N. Main Street while Lyn Maree’s Boutique occupies 209 N. Main Street.
Along with the renovations to the Olive Twist building the Auburn Redevelop Commission approved a second Façade Grant request from Lori Burndt who leases the Olive Twist space from the Metcalfs for the replacement of a side door.
In total the Olive Twist project had a final cost of $14,061 with the Façade Grant request paying for $7,030.50. The total cost of the Lyn Maree’s renovation was $12,986 with the Façade Grant request paying for $6,493.
In 2025 the Façade Grant Program has assisted with five projects in and around downtown. The program has received nine applications for work with two additional projects to get started yet this year.
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 nine grants have been awarded totaling $180,045.02 in investment of private/public dollars within the city ‘s historic downtown district and surrounding area.