Tuesday, April 1, 2025
AUBURN, Ind. -- City residents will soon see progress in the form of construction at the corner of Ninth Street and Main Street as representatives from the Auburn Development Group officially broke ground on The Auburn on the grounds of the former Auburn Hotel.
Mayor Dave Clark, and Shelley Smaltz, Auburn Redevelopment Commission president joined other city officials, businesses owners, representatives from JICI and M.F. Projects for the event.
With the official turning of dirt construction is set to begin on the site yet this spring and into early summer.
Kevin Minard, President of the Auburn Development Group said there should be significant structure in place by the time the Auburn Cord Duesenberg Festival rolls around Labor Day weekend.
"We are excited for this day," said Mayor Clark. "We are excited to see another building that will sit here on this corner for over 100 years. Working with the Auburn Development Group has been a great partnership."
The Auburn Redevelopment Commission had a major part in making the project possible as it committed $2 million in TIF funds to the project. The TIF funds were used as the public match to help the Auburn Development Group secure READI 2.0 funding.
Smaltz said once complete The Auburn will enhance the city's historic downtown.
The former Auburn Hotel was purchased by ADG, from the Eddy family, in February of 2023, with plans to renovate the structure. It was determined that the structure was severely deteriorated, and the best course of action would be to construct a new building on the property located at the corner of Ninth Street and Main Street.
ADG is currently working with a team of local designers, engineers, and construction professionals in the Auburn and Ft. Wayne are to create a mixed-use development that will serve the region. The proposed four-story building will include commercial opportunities, with possible outdoor dining, on the first floor, with residential apartments on the second and third floors, and the opportunity for privately owned and designed residences overlooked this square.
JICI Construction, located in Angola, is the lead contractor on the project, with Matt Faber of M.F. Projects, located in Waterloo, serving as the construction manager for the project. White Paw Holdings is working closely with Lifestyle Homes and Design Collaborative to create a new living and entertaining experience that will elevate the appeal of downtown Auburn; and not only attract but retain talent for the local economy.
ADG is dedicated to replicating the building as closely as possible to its original design including the use of limestone on the exterior of the building. Several significant artifacts from the original structure will be incorporated into its construction.