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“Let’s remember our time with little Treya for a while before we get a new pet,” was my rapid response.
A few carefree, pet-free years later, my husband started the search for a dog to join our family. We’d always had shelter dogs and Dave spent weeks visiting kennels and no-kill shelters in search of the best companion for a 9-year-old girl.
Enter Fargo. Fargo joined our home 14 years ago and immediately re minded us how much joy and aggravation a dog can bring. But mainly joy.
Fargo was a “side of the road” dog, as our vet aptly described him. Part shephard? Part greyhound? Part Lab? Maybe. It didn’t matter. He was energetic and smart, gentle, tentative and skittish. He hated thunderstorms and howled along with the Saturday morning emergency siren tests. He loved pizza crust and our big Thanksgiving gatherings and was positively drenched in excitement at the sight of a squirrel. He was there through bad report cards and bad moods, family deaths and health issues, graduations and new jobs.
If you own a pet – a dog, cat, hamster, whatever – you understand what I am saying. And clearly, Greater Lafayette understands that human-animal connection. Nurturing the animals in our community can be seen in the number of “dogs allowed” businesses, restaurants with pet-friendly patios, and, most recently, the opening of McPaw Dog Park at McCaw Park. (See story on Page 22). McPaw joins other popular dog parks in Lafayette and West Lafayette.
In addition, Tippecanoe County is making a huge commitment to the pet population with the new Humane Society, opening later this summer and positioning itself to be the go-to place for animal issues of any kind (Page 32)
Our sweet Fargo died in May, after a life filled with 3-mile sniff-and-runs at Armstrong Park, leisurely downtown strolls to the Wabash River, deep-sleep dreams of catching squirrels, and bounding upstairs at night to join us by the bed. The last days were heartbreaking, and our quiet house has been a distraction. But Fargo lives on in every room, in one way or another. That’s the beauty of a pet.
Poet Mary Oliver wrote, “Joy was not made to be a crumb.” For my mon ey, owning a pet can pretty much guarantee that joy will grow exponentially.
Here’s to our good boy Fargo, and to a community that understands the vital role that pets play in our lives.
Editor, Greater Lafayette Magazine
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ON THE COVER:
Alaina and Charlie Gillund at Imagination Station in Lafayette |page 36
Welcome Note|page 4
From Editor Carol Bangert
COMMUNITY & CONNECTIONS:
Big plans for Lafayette's Bicentennial |page 10
Purdue Football ready for expanded Big Ten |page 18
Dogs rule at McPaw Park |page 22
New humane society about more than animals |page 32
BUSINESS & PROGRESS
Farmers markets, the best part of summer |page 8
Ask the Experts |page 50
Baked by Brittaney: New home, expanded menu |page 56
Study targets childcare, education challenges |page 62
READI 2.0: $35 million for Greater Lafayette Region |page 70
Photo by Christine Petkov
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Farmers markets are a staple of summer...
A party 200 years in the making: Lafayette celebrates its Bicentennial in 2025
When the champagne corks pop and the calendar flips to 2025, a celebration of a whole different magnitude will begin. The City of Lafayette turns 200 in 2025, and it is NOT going to do that quietly.
“Some cities never make it to 200,” says Mayor Tony Roswarski. But thanks to an auspicious site on the Wabash River and significant movers and shakers in its early days — Moses Fowler, David Ross, Cyrus Ball and John Purdue to name a few — Lafayette has always flourished and is currently the 10th largest city in the state.
Nearly three years ago Roswarski set his sights on an extended Bicentennial celebration, not a day or a weekend, but a whole year.
“I thought it would probably take that long to talk about all the milestones and the history,” he says.
Perhaps most importantly, the city started putting money aside for it. A committee headed by David Huhnke, director of communications and marketing for the City of Lafayette, was formed, and work began on everything from logos, videos and portable history panels to a major public art piece at Ninth and South streets that will be a permanent reminder of the Bicentennial.
Plans began for a costume ball (dress in your favorite decade) now set for June 28, and a Sydney Pollack (yes, he was born in Lafayette) Film Festival at the Long Center on his July 1 birthday.
Six months out from the start of the Bicentennial in January 2025, this emerging calendar of events is only expected to swell as the time nears and enthusiasm builds. The actual date of the city’s founding by William Digby is May 25, 1825. In 2025 that date falls during Memorial Day weekend, which will be celebrated with community events at Columbian Park that range from discounts on the park’s attractions to a movie night, concerts and formal ceremonies.
The Haan Museum leads the way among the arts organizations by committing to several special art exhibits tied to Lafayette’s history and two afternoon teas on its grounds. Other cultural institutions, such as the Art Museum of Greater Lafayette and Civic Theater, have yet to announce their contributions but are working on them.
Besides special programming, annual events like Riverfest and the Christmas Parade will boast a Bicentennial spin.
William Digby
Moses Fowler
David Ross
Cyrus Ball
John Purdue
Remembering where we came from is important. A lot of time it sparks thoughts for the future and brings key players together looking at the next 200 years.”
Roswarski’s favorite parts of the Bicentennial celebration lie in sharing Lafayette’s history with school children and instilling a sense of community pride in them. Activities in that direction kick off in January with commitments by the Lafayette and Tippecanoe school corporations to provide 200 hours of community service to local non-profits as a celebration of William Digby’s birthday that month.
During “Rock It Out,” students from both school corporations will paint and hide 400 rocks provided by Wrede Rocks throughout the community. In April, art students will paint scenes from history on the windows of downtown businesses. Poetry and essay contests are scheduled for the fall of 2025.
The Tippecanoe County Historical Association (TCHA) looks to reach out to elementary schools with programming. An award-winning picture book telling the story of the town’s namesake, the Marquis de Lafayette, will be given to elementary school libraries in all public and parochial schools. “Revolutionary Friends,” the story of the close relationship between the Marquis and George Washington, was written by Selene Castrovilla who, courtesy of the Lafayette School Corp., will visit the city during the Bicentennial.
Leading the way among local businesses announcing special plans are Exploration Acres,which will design a special Bicentennial corn maze, and the Flora Candle Company on Main Street that will designate two official “Bi’scent’tennial” candles.
Purdue graduates Nolan Willhite and Troy Weber founded Flora Candle Company. Willhite says the duo fell in love with the friendliness of the city during their time on campus and wanted to invest in the downtown. Eager to soak up Lafayette’s history, “We took a downtown tour with Sean Lutes (president of the Lafayette Historic Preservation Commission). We must have walked 10 miles that day. It was great and just made us fall in love with Lafayette even more.”
As a creative business, creating a Bi’scent’tennial soy candle was a natural. “We had worked with the city before and wanted to be involved,” Willhite says.
“Hoosier Heartland,” with scents of musk, denim, vanilla and lavender, is one of the special candles. The other, with heavier floral scents, is still in development and has yet to be named. They will be sold at their Main Street store, at different Bicentennial events and are available wholesale for others who would like to sell them.
“We’re just super excited,” says Willhite. “It is super special to see the community come together to celebrate something as exciting as a Bicentennial.”
Tippecanoe County Courthouse (1825)
Big Four Depot (1910)
Moses Fowler House (1850s)
Lahr Hotel (1861)
We are standing on other peoples shoulders, and we hope people will stand on our shoulders to move this community forward. We all have a part and a role to play...”
Antique Candle Co. is working on a candle promotion as well, with scents still in the works.
What’s the most important element to the year-long celebration? History.
“Lafayette really has been a community that’s built on prior generations’ accomplishments, and I think that is very special and should be celebrated. I think a lot of people don’t know a lot of the city’s history,” Roswarski says.
“I think it’s important to have fun during these celebrations but to also learn about our history.’’
In that vein all kinds of historic tours are in the works from Lafayette evening Lantern Tours, to Cemetery Tours that divulge secrets from our long ago past and Haunted Lafayette Tours that delve into spooky folklore. An exploration of Lafayette’s participation in the Underground Railroad will be the Bicentennial contribution of the Daughters of the American Revolution.
The TCHA and its new director, Claire Eagle, play a pivotal role in everything history for the celebration. A Bicentennial coffee table book, fat with historical photos and dotted with short stories focused on fascinating bits of Lafayette’s past, is the association’s star project. Eagle feels the Bicentennial could be a very special moment for the community and the association. “Remembering where we came from is important,” she says. “A lot of time it sparks thoughts for the future and brings key players together looking at the next 200 years.”
When Lafayette celebrated its Centennial in 1925, the historical fervor generated by that milestone directly led to the creation of the TCHA. She’s betting that partnerships formed, and conversations started, during the Bicentennial will propel new ideas forward. “Who knows what will come out,” she says. At TCHA as they work to diversify and expand their programming, “we hope to use any of this to our advantage.”
If there’s a hidden goal in the planned celebrations for Roswarski, “it’s bringing generations together to talk about the past, the present and the future, what the city is looking to do and has done. We really want to showcase where we’re going, what was accomplished and can be accomplished so that pride makes some of our young people want to stay here.”
“We are standing on other people’s shoulders, and we hope people will stand on our shoulders to move this community forward. We all have a part and a role to play. Not everyone’s going to be a John Purdue or a David Ross, but we all have a part to play.” ★
Scenes from Lafayette in the 1950s through the 1980s
A year for celebrating in Lafayette
Look forward to these events during Lafayette’s 2025 Bicentennial year. And this is just the beginning. Details and dates may change. Go to lafayette.in.gov/bicentennial for up-to-date information.
★ JANUARY
• William Digby’s birthday in January 1802, kicks off 200 hours of community service for the year provided by area schools.
• Specialty retail items introduced
★ FEBRUARY
• “200 Reasons We Love Lafayette” banners, created from community input, are hung
• Bicentennial pop-up history exhibits open at Lafayette City Hall
★ MARCH
• Kick off of Bicentennial “Walk and Talk” tours downtown; tours continue through October
• Rock It Out: Students paint and hide rocks donated by Wrede Rocks
★ APRIL
• April 5, Afternoon Tea at Fowler Mansion
• Downtown window painting with local history themes
★ MAY
• May 3, Generations 2025 Fine Arts Exhibition and Sale, opening event Haan Museum, 2-5 pm; exhibition and sale runs May 4-31
• May 24-25, special Memorial Day weekend activities at Columbian Park
• May 25, Founder’s Day activities
• TAF’s Quilting Connection: Lafayette Quilters at the Bicentennial
• May 26, Memorial Day ceremonies with local Veterans groups. Possible community picnic. Evening Citizens Band Concert.
★ JUNE
• June 8, Afternoon Tea at Haan Museum
• June 12, "Celebrating 200 Years of Arts & Culture," opening reception, Haan Museum, 6-8 pm; exhibit runs June 13-August 9
• June 25, Taste of Tippecanoe
• Bicentennial Costume Ball (Date and location TBD)
★ JULY
• July 1, Film Festival at the Long Center honoring film director Sydney Pollack on his birthday
• July 12, Bicentennial Riverfest
• TAF exhibit by Michelle Wood-Voglund, “Grand and Gone: Lost Buildings of Lafayette”
★ AUGUST
• Two exhibits open Aug. 21 at the Haan Museum: “Hoosier Heritage on Canvas: Indiana Farms & Gardens” and “The Best of Scott Frankenberger,” noted local ceramic artist
• Kick-off of poetry and essay contests in local schools
★ SEPTEMBER
• Sept. 6, dedication of Bicentennial public art work in conjunction with the Marquis de Lafayette’s birthday
• Sept 21, Afternoon Tea at the Haan Museum
• Bicentennial-themed corn maze at Exploration Acres opens; continues through October
★ OCTOBER
• Haunted Lafayette Tours in conjunction with Halloween
• Last month for “Walk and Talk” tours
★ NOVEMBER
• Bicentennial Christmas ornaments available
★ DECEMBER
• Dec. 6, Bicentennial Parade with prizes and period costumes in conjunction with the Lafayette Christmas Parade
BY KEN THOMPSON
PHOTOS PROVIDED
The second year of the Ryan Walters era may be more challenging than an injury-filled 2023 season that saw Purdue football finish 4-8.
The Big Ten welcomes former Pac-12 Conference schools USC, UCLA, Oregon and Washington. The expansion to 18 schools forced the Big Ten to abandon the East and West divisions. Now, the top two teams in the standings will meet in the Big Ten Championship game on Dec. 7 in Lucas Oil Stadium, home of the Indianapolis Colts.
Of the four newcomers, only Oregon is on Purdue’s schedule. The Oct. 18 game at Ross-Ade Stadium will be one of two Friday night contests for the Boilermakers. The other is a trip to Michigan State on Nov. 22.
The trip to Oregon State on Sept. 21 also will be a night game. The Beavers and the return of Notre Dame to the Boilermaker schedule are why Athlon Sports has rated Purdue’s non-conference schedule fourth-toughest in the Big Ten.
CBS will televise Notre Dame’s return to West Lafayette for the first time since 2013, a 31-24 Fighting Irish victory. Purdue has lost eight in a row to Notre Dame since a 33-19 victory in 2007. Notre Dame is coached by former Purdue defensive coordinator Marcus Freeman.
Indiana State, which finished 1-10 last season, comes to Ross-Ade Stadium to open the 2024 season on Aug. 31. Purdue gets a week off before hosting Notre Dame on Sept. 14.
Purdue opens Big Ten play Sept. 28 against Nebraska in Ross-Ade Stadium.
Only 17 scholarship players out of the NCAA-permitted 85 remain from the Jeff Brohm era as NCAA rules allowed Walters to make over the roster without restrictions during his first 18 months. Center Gus Hartwig and linebacker Kydran Jenkins are among four Brohm recruits using an extra year of eligibility granted by the NCAA during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Quantity may be lacking in the Brohm 17 but not quality. Including Hartwig and Jenkins, nine could start against Indiana State.
Yanni Karlaftis, the former West Lafayette High School standout, may start alongside Jenkins at inside linebacker. Offensive linemen Marcus Mbow and Mahamane Moussa are returning starters.
Running back Devin Mockobee, who has gained 1,775 yards in two seasons, hopes to become Purdue’s first 1,000-yard rusher since Kory Sheets in 2008. Tight end Max Klare was enjoying a breakout redshirt freshman year before an injury ended his 2023 season.
End Joseph Anderson and nose tackle Cole Brevard are among a deep group of defensive linemen. Another former West Lafayette High School star and Brohm recruit, Mo Omonode, backs up Brevard.
Freshman All-American safety Dillon Thieneman is a returning starter as is cornerback Markevious Brown.
Quarterback Hudson Card passed for 2,387 yards and 15 touchdowns after transferring from Texas. He’ll have to break in a new set of receivers with the transfers of top four pass catchers Deion Burks (Oklahoma), T.J. Sheffield (Connecticut), Abdur-Rahman Yaseen (South Florida) and Garrett Miller (Texas A&M).
Dillon Thieneman
Hudson Card
The biggest blow to Purdue was the transfer of Big Ten sacks leader Nic Scourton to Texas A&M for a significant Name Image Likeness (NIL) deal.
Walters hopes a recruiting class ranked 27th in the nation by the 247Sports Composite and 19 transfers will fill the voids. Among the players to watch from this group are defensive backs Koy Beasley, Tarrion Grant, Luke Williams and Nyland Green (Georgia transfer) plus rush ends CJ Madden (Georgia) and Shitta Sillah (Boston College).
Offensive linemen D.J. Wingfield (New Mexico), Corey Stewart (Ball State), Joshua Sales (Indiana) and Joey Tanona (Notre Dame) hope to shore up an injury-plagued unit in 2023. Others to watch on offense are running back Reggie Love (Illinois), wide receivers CJ Smith (Georgia), De’Nylon Morrissette (Georgia) and Kam Brown (UCLA), punter Keelan Crimmins (Mississippi State) and freshman kicker Spencer Porath. ★
2024 Purdue football schedule:
Aug. 31 Indiana State
Sept. 14 Notre Dame
Sept. 21 at Oregon State
Sept. 28 Nebraska
Oct. 5 at Wisconsin
Oct. 12 at Illinois
Oct. 18 Oregon
Nov. 2 Northwestern
Nov. 9 at Ohio State
Nov. 16 Penn State
Nov. 22 at Michigan State
Nov. 30 at Indiana
Dog days
Dog days
McPaw Dog Park caters to canine companions
Lafayette has doubled down on the community’s affection for dogs, opening a second park exclusively for use by the city’s canines and their owners.
As part of the celebration for the completion of Phase 1 of the McCaw Park renovation, Mayor Tony Roswarski and many city officials gathered April 19 for the dedication of McPaw Dog Park. McPaw joins
Shamrock Dog Park as a site for dogs to get exercise, play and meet new friends.
Claudine Laufman, superintendent of Lafayette Parks and Recreation, said during the dedication ceremony that the bond between humans and dogs traces back at least 15,000 years.
“This facility was designed with that bond in mind and showcases
that relationship,” Laufman said. “Research has shown that this bond provides several physical and mental health benefits for both partners. We hope that in addition, McPaw Park provides a place for many memories that can and will be created with your furry friends.”
McPaw Park’s amenities include several water features, climbing structures, tunnels and a play-
ground. There’s also an area specifically created for smaller dogs. That feature was appreciated by Kayla Fleming, who brought her Pomeranian, Yoshi, to check out the new dog park. Her first impression was a good one.
“He is full of energy,” Fleming said as Yoshi ran around the grassy area not too far into the McPaw Park entrance. “I thought it was really big, and I was excited for the small dog features. Hopefully, he had a good time.”
Fleming said she would buy a membership, which includes McPaw and Shamrock park access, after seeing how much Yoshi was enjoying the afternoon.
“How could we not?” Fleming said. “He is having so much fun.”
Membership is $65 per year and covers up to three dogs. Each additional dog is $15 per year. Questions regarding membership can be directed to dogpark@lafayette.in.gov.
Roswarski said the McPaw Park and other renovations at McCaw Park were examples of Lafayette striving for excellence.
“When we talk about quality of life and we talk about parks in general, we want to do projects that actually bring value to the parks system, value to the community and value to each and every person that uses them,” Roswarski said.
“We looked around and took the best of the best of what we’ve seen at other dog parks and incorporated it into this facility. Everything from wash stations to tubs with toys in them.”
The city’s due diligence was rewarded by the sounds of happy dogs and smiling pet owners.
“The relationship people have with their animals and the relationship families have with their animals are incredibly important,” Roswarski said. “We’re thrilled. We think this is a place where people can relax, people can make memories and make new friends.” ★
BY KEN THOMPSON STOCK PHOTOGRAPHY
No likeplacehome
New Humane Society strives to build on human-animal connection
No greater love hath Greater Lafayette residents than for their pets.
The origin of the Tippecanoe County Humane Society dates to 1939, with a mission to improve the lives of animals in our community.
But as Greater Lafayette has grown in population over the past 85 years, so has the need for a modern animal shelter. Now called Almost Home Humane Society, its facilities at 1705 S. Second St. have become inadequate.
The pending retirement of the owners of Crystal Creek Kennels in Battle Ground, which has had a contract with Tippecanoe County for nearly 30 years, forced Greater Lafayette leaders to find a solution to both problems.
“What do we do?” Tippecanoe County Commissioner Tom Murtaugh says. “Almost Home doesn’t have the capacity for additional pets. We reached out to the cities, and collectively we made a decision to move forward with a community shelter that was much more visible and much more up to date. We found the funding to build this state-of-theart facility.”
With an initial investment of $5 million also came a fortuitous solution to the location problem. The former Purdue Extension Office at 3150 Sagamore Parkway South near Tippecanoe Mall was vacant, sitting on land owned by Tippecanoe County. Sharon Dull, president of the Humane Society for Greater Lafayette, suggested that would be the perfect site for the new shelter.
“Sharon was so adamant about that it be in a very prominent location,” Murtaugh says. “That’s a detriment to where Almost Home is. Nobody ever sees it. Nobody drives by it. To get there you have to make a conscious effort to find it.
“We didn’t have a plan for that site yet other than to potentially sell it. When she came forward with this idea, it was the same time we were doing the renovations to the old YMCA building next to the fairgrounds. We
had a plan to move the extension office to that location. It’s a much better fit.”
Murtaugh says he was skeptical at first, concerned that the land rested in a flood plain.
“Then as we got to looking at it, (we thought) wait a minute, this can work,” he says.
Financing the Humane Society for Greater Lafayette shelter was divided based on the animal intake over the past few years among the three governing bodies. Lafayette would bear 50 percent of the cost, Tippecanoe County 40 percent, and West Lafayette 10 percent, Murtaugh says.
Eagerly awaiting the shelter’s opening in late summer or early fall is Executive Director Josh Klumpe, who has more than 17 years of animal welfare experience, including his former position as chief animal control officer for the Lafayette Police Department.
The passion for animals is obvious when Klumpe talks about his hopes for the new shelter.
“Something I’m excited about is being a beacon to our community,” Klumpe says. “If you have an animal issue or you need help or education or anything, we’re the ones you come to.”
His experience in animal control taught Klumpe that a shelter is more than just a resource to help animals.
“It’s not just helping your animal population and decreasing your animal population,” Klumpe says. “People love animals, so you are dealing more with people than the animals. That’s probably what I’m looking forward to the most, not just dealing with the animal population but really getting out in the public and assisting people with pet retention, keeping the animals in the home so they don’t enter my doors at the shelter.”
Klumpe believes a central location will also help pets reunite more quickly with their families.
“No longer will you have to answer the question, ‘If you lose your dog, where do you go?ʼ ” he says. “No more guesswork on that part.”
The Humane Society for Greater Lafayette is a nonprofit (501c3) organization that will rely on raising money in the community to fund programs that Klumpe says will give the help people need to keep animals in their care.
“The need is outside of the walls,” he says. “We can house and care for the animals inside without an issue, but I really want to focus on getting our helping hands outside of our walls. Helping people who need the help. And try to keep the animals out of the facility.
“A humane organization is maybe the only type of organization that consistently tries to work themselves out of a job. As an animal welfare professional, you hope one day you’re not needed any more.”
The 17,000-square-foot facility will have 68 indoor/outdoor dog kennels, 157 cat kennels and four large rooms that can house multiple cats. There’s also space for exotic animals, small mammals, reptiles and just about any other creature that might need a temporary home.
“With my history I know anything can walk through that door,” Klumpe says. “We’ve had plenty of rabbits and snakes and lizards. We have two outdoor livestock pens. When you are going to contract with the county, you
never know. I’ve caught my fair share of potbelly pigs in town.”
Well aware that social media has helped reunite many pets with their families, Klumpe says the Humane Society for Greater Lafayette has Facebook and Instagram accounts with plans to join Next Door in the near future.
“We’re going to utilize the Lost and Found Pets of Greater Lafayette page on Facebook for the strays as well as on our website, try to get them back home where they belong,” Klumpe says. “No matter how nice your humane society is, it’s still a stressful place for that dog or that cat. The idea is to get them out and get them back home or get them into a new home as fast as you can.”
Before the doors open, Klumpe and his team are looking to hire staff as well as recruiting volunteers and foster homes.
“We’re going to really rely on the public to help us out,” he says. “Fostering and volunteering, that’s incredible work they do. We’ve had a lot of support from companies and individual people. We’re obviously new so we’re trying to get our donor base larger every day.”
When the new shelter does open, that doesn’t mean Almost Home won’t still be needed. Lafayette Mayor Tony Roswarski says the city will maintain its relationship.
“Almost unfortunately there’s enough work out there for both taking care of animals, animals who are abused, neglected, surrendered,” Roswarski says. “(Almost Home) is still in a city building and we are going to allow them to stay as long as they want. We’ll continue to work with them for overflow issues and things like that.”
Roswarski says he expects Greater Lafayette to quickly welcome the new shelter.
“We have a very compassionate community, a kind community when it comes to the way we take care of our animals,” he says. “I think that’s why they will appreciate a facility of this quality.” ★
BY ANGELA K. ROBERTS
BY CHRISTINE PETKOV
Lafayette’s Imagination Station charts new course for educational adventures
PHOTOS
On a cool Saturday evening in early May, a cast of young characters and their parents filled the two stories of Lafayette’s Imagination Station, dressed for a galaxy far, far away.
Clothed as Princess Leia, Rey, Luke Skywalker, Chewbacca and the like, the eager guests gathered around experiment stations on the first floor, completing circuits to make light sabers and using the force of magnets to move cars.
Upstairs, a quieter scene unfolded. More costumed kids and their parents, refueled by snacks and drinks, huddled together as Star Wars movies played onscreen, the hum of light sabers and symphony music underscoring the drama.
Here, in the cube-shaped building a few blocks north of Main Street, the Force was strong with
kids eager to explore connections between the Star Wars universe and our own solar system.
Much like a Jedi academy awakening young Padawans, Lafayette’s Imagination Station has reemerged after the COVID-19 pandemic, sparking curiosity in a new generation of learners.
“Our mission is to bring science education and science activities to the community and make it affordable,” says Sujatha Ramani, acting executive director. Thanks to grants, gifts and a cadre of volunteers and staff, the facility seems to be excelling in its quest to educate kids in north central Indiana and beyond.
Sparking a lifelong love of learning
The Imagination Station’s roots date back
to 1992 with the founding of the Association for Science, Space, Engineering and Technology (ASSET). Recognizing the need for a facility dedicated to nurturing scientific curiosity, ASSET established the Imagination Station, which found its permanent home in 1999 after a donation from the Indiana Gas Company.
Over the years, the exhibits and offerings have evolved, but its core mission – to spark a lifelong love of learning – remains unchanged.
When pandemic shutdowns hit Indiana in spring 2020, the museum went on hiatus. In 2021, officials organized several free events with funding from the City of Lafayette and the Indiana Arts Federation, including Pi/Math Day, Haunted Lab, Hands-on Transportation (a 22-year favorite) and a Holiday
Science Lab. A few events followed in 2022 as well.
Then, with in-kind donations and grants, a crew worked to restore the building that had sat nearly empty for more than two years. After HVAC, plumbing, flooring, roofing and other upgrades and repairs, the museum reopened in August 2022.
“I’m really passionate about this place,” says Ramani. “It’s just a fun place and we’ve been blessed to have this in our lives.”
A long-time Greater Lafayette resident, she began visiting the Imagination Station when her children were young, sitting alongside her son during his toddler years as he watched demonstrations by Purdue faculty on Friday mornings.
Ramani’s enthusiasm for the science center led to her becoming a volunteer, then a board member, which ultimately led to her current role as acting executive director. In 2023, she was honored for her dedication to the facility by the YWCA Greater Lafayette as part of its annual Salute To Women celebration.
Exploration awaits
Inside the newly refurbished building, interactive exhibits cater to a wide range of ages and interests in the STEAM (science, technology, engineering, arts and mathematics) disciplines.
A carpeted playroom provides a dedicated space for the youngest visitors to play on the floor, with caregivers keeping a watchful eye.
The station also features a small gift store where visitors can purchase souvenirs, kits and contraptions, with members enjoying a 10% discount on every purchase.
Growing attendance and community engagement
Last year, 5,261 children and 3,952 adults visited the facility. The museum sold 329 memberships, hosted 33 field trips and served as a venue for 65 birthday parties, according to its annual report.
“I see the Imagination Station as being a bigger part of our community – our community being Tippecanoe County and surrounding counties,” says Dee Bishop, office manager. She used to bring
her son, Matthew, to the museum, back in the days when the building boasted an indoor-outdoor bee colony and an airplane cockpit.
While most visitors hail from a few hours away, some families arrive from farther-flung locales if they’re visiting Purdue or passing through the twin cities on the way to other events. During the weekend preceding the solar eclipse in April, for instance, the museum welcomed visitors from Michigan, Illinois and Wisconsin.
Many out-of-state families took advantage of reciprocal memberships with facilities in their hometowns that allow them to visit places like the Imagination Station for free, Ramani says.
Camps, theme nights and more
One of the biggest changes from when Bishop’s and Ramani’s children were young is that the Imagination Station has more planned programming now. The center’s social media pages and monthly newsletter are full of colorful fliers advertising an array of activities.
Science Saturdays feature specialty labs with inviting names like Lego Lab, Mars Rover and Crazy Circuits. Beginner Scientist programs on Thursday mornings and Sunday afternoons teach youngsters about earth science, the human body,
chemistry, physics and more. For more immersive experiences, the museum offers spring break and summer programs such as Astronaut Camp and Science Camp.
Throughout the year, themed programs connect scientific concepts to popular books, movies and TV shows. The Star Wars Night this spring gave children an opportunity to learn about physics, space travel and our solar system through the lens of the fictional galaxy they know and love.
During a recent Harry Potter night, kids crafted custom wands, created and tasted magical treats, made potions and watched clips from “Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone.” Relating real-life concepts with the wizarding adventures of Hogwarts helped to increase kids’ curiosity and their understanding of science, says Monica Adams, programs coordinator.
Homeschooled in a town north of Greater Lafayette, Adams delights in sharing her joy of learning with the youngsters who walk in the door.
“I love helping kids understand the world around them. They come into contact with a bunch of science principles every day, and exploring concepts with them every day is fun,” she says.
Partnerships to support the mission
The Imagination Station’s planning and operations are fueled by the creative minds of museum staff, volunteers and a board of directors that includes the likes of Leah Jamieson, former Purdue College of Engineering dean.
The museum also benefits from partnerships with Purdue University and nearby scientific companies. Purdue faculty and students, as well as scientists from companies such as Evonik, create engaging demonstrations for the kids.
Other local businesses and organizations help by donating funds or materials to defray the costs of programming, marketing expenses and facility maintenance. Recent grants, gifts and in-kind donations have come from the Community Foundation of Greater Lafayette, Caterpillar, Lowe’s, Tippecanoe County Commissioners, the Lafayette
We’ve got you covered with three unique community center campuses. Visit us online to check out what we have to offer or stop by to see us. We’ll be happy to show you around!
Life Foundation, Visit Lafayette-West Lafayette, the Mcallister Foundation, SIA Foundation, Arconic Foundation and more.
“We are getting support from local government, including Mayor Roswarski, Tippecanoe County Commissioner Tom Murtaugh, Mayor Easter and Purdue University. City of Lafayette Economic Development Director Dennis Carson has been helping us figure out our expansion strategies and future plans,” Ramani says.
“We were fortunate to have the architect and engineering firm Cordogan Clark and the construction company Kettelhut Constructions conduct a detailed space site analysis. That gave us a good idea of how much we could expand and where we should be located, which helps in planning for our future growth.”
Benefits beyond the walls
Along with grants and gifts, memberships are a key part of the Imagination Station’s growth strategy. With a variety of levels for families and philanthropists, memberships are designed to provide a predictable stream of income, increase engagement with attendees and foster a sense of community around the science center.
A popular option is the Voyager Family Membership for two adults and children in their household. Members enjoy free general admission, discounts on birthday parties and gift shop purchases, and access to exclusive events.
Getting to bring your children again and again is a plus, Ramani says.
“One of the biggest things we tell people, the more often you come, the better for your children,” she says. “If you come more frequently and the child plays again and you reinforce with books or online, the kid retains that.”
Another bonus to this membership level is access to more than 350 science centers, zoos and museums worldwide. Through the ASTC (Association of Science and Technology Centers) Passport Program, Voyager members are eligible for free general admission at participating institutions that are more than 90 miles away from the member’s residence and their member institution.
While the Children’s Museum of Indianapolis is excluded from the Imagination Station’s recip-
rocal agreement, participating Chicago facilities are not. That means that members could visit the Adler Planetarium, the Field Museum and the Museum of Science and Industry at no additional cost. “That’s an incredible value,” Ramani says.
Those memberships help extend the impact of the Imagination Station far beyond Greater Lafayette to learning adventures hundreds and thousands of miles away.
Planning your visit
The Imagination Station is open Wednesdays through Fridays from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., and Sundays from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Hours may vary due to special events.
Admission is $7 for visitors two years and older; younger children are free. A one-day Family Day Pass for four is $25. Family memberships begin at $150.
The Imagination Station also is available for birthday parties. Full-service packages include free regular admission for up to 50 guests, paper products and use of a large multi-purpose room with a kitchen for two hours. Private demonstrations are available for an additional fee.
Field trips provide hands-on learning opportunities for kids in middle school, elementary school and preschool. Educators can tailor visits to their curriculum or simply allow students to explore freely. Optional interactive demonstrations such as 3-2-1 POP and Slime Lab add an extra layer of engagement.
Visit the Imagination Station’s website and social media pages for up-to-date programming information: imagination-station.org. ★
Imagination Station to unveil an interactive journey through the human body this fall
This fall, the Imagination Station will debut a traveling exhibit on the human body. Magnificent Me helps families understand muscles and bones, heart and lungs, the digestive system and the brain and nerves. The exhibit will begin Oct. 18 and run through Feb. 2.
Through interactive activities, visitors can explore the intricate systems that keep humans moving, breathing and thinking. From the network of muscles and bones to the heart and lungs, the exhibit uncovers the secrets of digestion, vision, how our brains process information and more.
Magnificent Me is made possible by the Museum of Discovery, Little Rock, Arkansas, and is sponsored by the Arconic Foundation and Arconic Lafayette Operations.
A grant from the Arconic Foundation is covering the cost of the exhibit at the Imagination Station.
Check the museum website for updated information.
GIANT LEAP
Working together on transportation, childcare, jobs, housing, and prosperity. Thank you, Greater Lafayette. NO GOWN WITHOUT TOWN
Ask The Experts:
Do you have questions regarding business challenges you are facing?
The Greater Lafayette Commerce Ask the Experts program is perfect for you. Greater Lafayette Commerce is teaming with experienced professionals who have the skills you’re looking for to help you overcome challenges and provide you with perspective and direction.
Ask the Experts provides small business owners with the information they need while also facilitating the development of lasting professional relationships.
Marie Morse: Homestead Resources
Marie Morse has been with Lafayette Neighborhood Housing Services, Inc. dba Homestead Resources and Community Loan Center of West Central Indiana since 1985. She has held various positions within the organization including financial, programming and management positions. Morse has been the executive director of the organization since 2007. Morse has learned from the ground up and has expertise in housing counseling, non-profit finances, fundraising, board governance, staff management, property development, neighborhood relations, mortgage lending and small dollar lending. She was instrumental in bringing one of the first homebuyer clubs in the nation to Lafayette in 1990.
Morse has developed two Section 42 tax credit projects, the most recent being the conversion of a former high school into 74 units of senior housing with non-profit commercial space and is in the process of developing a third 50-unit project.
Since becoming executive director, Morse has overseen the development of the foreclosure and eviction prevention counseling programs, received re-certification as a Community Development Financial Institution, obtained certification as a local HUD housing counseling agency, initiated a small lending program to help families build credit, managed more than $12.5 million in program funding, helped more than 8,800 families understand their housing options and saved over $228 million dollars’ worth of homes from foreclosure. She has received a Distinguished Citizen Award from the City of Lafayette and was recognized by the Indiana General Assembly for outstanding service. She currently serves on the board of directors for Prosperity Indiana and is on three of their steering committees. In addition, she is a member of the Tippecanoe County Eviction Task Force and the CRA Advisory Board of First Merchants Bank.
QUESTION: How do I help my employees with housing concerns?
Finding and keeping housing is difficult across the nation and here locally. The financial stress your employees could be experiencing affects their ability to focus while at work. That stress and burden carry over to the workday, affecting their demeanor, physical and mental health and engagement with coworkers, clients and vendors. The housing market is also critical to attract and maintain talent in our community, across all income levels and industries. We need a variety of housing stock options across all price points to meet the diverse needs of our residents.
Tippecanoe County is rated the worst county in Indiana for having the lowest amount of affordable and available housing units for very low-income families. This is one data point; however households at all income levels struggle with finding the housing that fits their needs and their budgets. With the current interest rates and lack of supply, all housing costs have increased, from buying, to renting, to maintaining a property, to developing.
One of the things that Homestead Resources recognizes is that we aren’t alone in the need to increase affordable housing in our community. We have a wonderful community that thrives on partnerships and banding together to identify housing solutions. Become informed: Start by gathering information and becoming aware that the community needs housing stock that fits all income levels and household structures. Talk with local real estate agents, financial institutions and non-profits who are housing experts. Stay informed on what resources are available locally and through contracts and/or grants from the state and federal government, such as READI 2.0.
Check out organizations such as Homestead Resources that help families avoid foreclosures and evictions, educate clients about financial decisions regarding, renting and/or buying a home and provide housing counseling services that match the goals of the client. Other non-profits help with security deposits, energy assistance, weather-
ization, support for people experiencing homelessness and many other support systems in our community. Recently over 480 organizations and individuals from 41 counties signed a letter to the governor asking him to appoint and convene a Commission on Housing Safety, Stability, and Affordability.
Become involved: Volunteer with non-profits to connect with community needs. Homestead Resources, United Way and several other organizations are working to develop a community conversation around the need for “Housing for All.” The collaborative is seeking bids for a consultant to help the steering committee move to the next phase. When that community conversation is announced, make sure your voice is heard and that you are involved. Offer to serve on boards and committees of the nonprofits helping your employees with housing. Use your access to financial resources to ensure that those non-profits can continue to help. Invite housing experts to present at committees and board meetings, and share information at civic organizations and help spread the word that there are resources in our community to help residents succeed on their path towards housing.
Take action: Share information with your employees. Invite local organizations to present at lunch-and-learns, share brochures and posters, follow social media channels and talk to your state and federal representatives about your concerns. Consider working with a non-profit to offer programs, (grants or very low interest loans) specifically for your employees, such as downpayment assistance, home repairs, security deposits and first month’s rent. Make your voice heard that housing for all is a fundamental right and need in our community.
We are so lucky to live in a community with wonderful companies, nonprofits that partner and local government representatives that are willing to listen. However, if we want to continue to attract new businesses and keep those we have, employees must be able to find housing in which they can feel secure and build a future.
BY BRAD OPPENHEIM
PHOTOS BY CHRISTINE PETKOV
BAKED BY BRITTANEY
expands menu, settles in to new location
What began as a hobby six years ago has blossomed into a bigger venture for local business owner Brittaney Evans. “Over time I had friends and family reaching out to make treats for their celebrations and the word slowly spread that I was another option in town for baked goods,” Evans says.
Evans, who was a full-time school social worker at the time, quickly transformed her passion for baking into a side business known as Baked By Brittaney. As the customer base grew, Baked By Brittaney began marketing as a local option that would deliver to the Purdue University campus.
In 2021, Evans took a leap of faith, alongside her mom, and took her side business full time, opening a space in the Purdue Railyard, located in the Purdue Research Park. “This helped to ‘legitimize’ us a little bit more, and we had much more space to take on more orders,” Evans says.
Business proved to be successful in the Railyard, and eventually, another opportunity presented itself. “When we heard that the 516 Northwestern space was available, we jumped on it early and started discussing as a family if this was the next step for Baked By Brittaney,” says Evans. “I had always had the goal of opening a restaurant of some sort, so a bakery was a great first step, but we knew we wanted more.”
That’s when Evans’ vision turned into reality, making Baked By Brittaney a true family affair. “My husband decided to leave his full-time job as well,” Evans says. “So with his help, along with my mom and brother, we took over the Northwestern space and decided to go
full service with full food, cocktail and bakery menus.”
Since settling into their new space last year, Evans says there’s been support from both existing and new customers. She encourages anybody who hasn’t visited to stop by and see what they have to offer. “Our food and drink menus offer unique twists and our baked goods are changing daily,” Evans says.
Baked By Brittaney is located at 516 Northwestern Ave., West Lafayette. Current summer hours are 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Tuesday-Saturday and 9 a.m.-2 p.m. on Sundays with later dinner time hours returning in the fall. Evans says they still accept special bakery orders for birthdays, weddings and other events. All menu options can be found at bakedbybrittaney.com. ★
Left: Brittaney Evans and husband, Mark.
BY GREG LINDBERG STOCK PHOTOGRAPHY
Early childhood education study identifies future challenges
West Lafayette has long been recognized for its commitment to education and community welfare. With considerable population growth in the past decade and no signs of slowing down, West Lafayette officials hired Augenblick, Palaich and Associates (APA Consulting) to conduct a comprehensive study on the early childhood needs in the West Lafayette community.
The study was made possible through funding from the next round of the Indiana Regional Economic Acceleration and Development Initiative (READI 2.0). According to the Indiana Economic Development Corporation (IEDC) website, Greater Lafayette’s proposal themes included, “growing regional population in both rural and urban areas by focused in-
vestment at Purdue University to support the growing semiconductor industry in Indiana.”
The READI proposal also includes, “supporting a concentrated effort to retain and develop talent and attracting new workers to the region through investments in housing, quality of place and community vibrancy, the development of parks and trails, and investments in arts and culture.”
APA Consulting’s analysis of the needs and challenges faced by young children and their families was presented to the West Lafayette City Council in May. The study provides critical insights into how the city can better support early development and educational outcomes.
Jenifer Van Schuyver, director of development for the City of West
Lafayette, is leading efforts based on results of the study. “The West Lafayette Redevelopment Commission commissioned this study in anticipation of potential new industry in the area (SK hynix plus complementary industry),” Van Schuyver says.
“And the anticipation to recruit a qualified workforce and ensure our community is a community of choice when it comes to quality care before the age of five.”
Van Schuyver adds, “The study included the West Lafayette Community School Corp. boundaries and three elementary schools within the Tippecanoe School Corp.: Klondike, Battleground, and Burnett Creek – all of which serve the west and northern sections of the City of West Lafayette.
Key areas addressed in the study
include access to quality childcare, early education programs, health and nutrition, family support services and inclusivity and diversity. The study highlights a significant demand for high-quality childcare services. Many parents in West Lafayette struggle to find affordable and accessible childcare options. This lack of availability affects working families the most, leading to financial strain and limited employment opportunities for parents, particularly mothers.
There is a clear need for more robust early education programs.
While some high-quality preschools and early learning centers exist, they are often at capacity, and waiting lists are long. The study suggests that expanding these programs could have a profound impact on children’s readiness for kindergarten.
The report indicates that high-quality early education can increase high school graduation by 6% and increase college attendance and graduation rates somewhere between 5 and 8.6%. Additionally, Van Schuyver compares the overall numbers from the study to an earli-
er study in Tippecanoe County that specified, “that there were about 5,000 additional slots needed for early childhood education within the area, and the results from APA Consulting indicated that the city needed between 75 and 125 of those slots.”
“I do feel that is low, but the reality is it’s very difficult for families to get into the West Lafayette Community School Corp. district due to the lack of available single-family housing,” explains Van Schuyver. “The study captured current need and could not anticipate growth
from major economic development drivers in the community – such as SK hynix. So while we feel our future need will be much higher than those 75 to 125 slots, we should consider future growth and demand.”
Nutrition and health services are another concern. The study found that many families do not have adequate access to nutritional guidance or healthcare for their young children. Initiatives aimed at improving access to healthy foods and routine health checkups could greatly benefit these families.
The presentation pointed out the social, health and behavioral benefits of long-term education, including decreased juvenile incarceration
and improved health outcomes that will lower health care costs. The need for comprehensive family support services was a recurrent theme. Families expressed a need for better access to resources such as parenting classes, mental health services, and support groups. These services are essential for building a supportive community environment that fosters the well-being of young children.
When it comes to housing, West Lafayette expects development down the road that will “increase the number of available units provided to potential young families,” says Van Schuyver. “Housing and early childhood education are so intrinsi-
cally linked that the sense of where to provide services and how many slots to anticipate is a difficult number to capture – throw in economic drivers such as business and industry, and you’re looking at how to capture professionals who wish to have a family and a career, and making sure there is opportunity and choice in quality early childhood education/care for those who need and want that.”
In order to secure these services, the report states that the key aspects to consider include involvement and support from the community, investment in the long-term benefits, focus on quality, and the ability to “minimize teacher turnover and
enhance program stability.”
Ensuring that early childhood programs are inclusive and cater to the diverse population of West Lafayette is crucial. The study emphasizes the importance of cultural competence in early childhood education and the need for programs that reflect the community’s diversity.
“We did expect to see a suggested location for an initial center, and APA Consulting identified that children under five (according to the census) are located north of town, and a study provided to parents at those elementary schools, indicated they were interested in an initial center being located near Klondike,”
Van Schuyver explains.
“Based on available property and of course the location of our community wellness center, we do believe the northside of town between both of our incredible award-winning school districts is the best place to consider building an initial facility,” she adds.
Based on these findings, the study offers several recommendations for local policymakers and community leaders, including expanding childcare facilities, enhancing early education programs, improving health and nutrition services, supporting family services and promoting inclusivity.
Other findings from the report include:
• Increasing the number of affordable childcare centers and ensuring they are geographically distributed to serve all neighborhoods will be critical. Public-private partnerships could be explored to fund and manage these expansions.
• Investing in early childhood education programs and providing professional development for educators will help improve the quality of early education. Grants and subsidies could be used to support low-income families’ access to these programs.
• Collaborations with local health departments and food programs can help provide better nutrition and health services. Community health fairs, nutrition workshops, and free or low-cost health clinics can address these needs.
• Establishing more family resource centers and offering a wider range of services can help meet the diverse needs of families. Providing these services in multiple languages and ensuring they are accessible to all can enhance their effectiveness.
• Training for educators on cultural competence and inclusivity can ensure that all children feel welcome and supported. Developing curricula that reflect various cultures and backgrounds also can help in this regard.
The recent study on early childhood needs in West Lafayette underscores the importance of a comprehensive approach to early childhood education and care. By addressing the gaps in childcare, early education, health, nutrition, family support and inclusivity, the city can create a nurturing environment that supports the development and well-being of its youngest residents. These efforts will not only benefit the children but also strengthen the community, fostering a brighter future for West Lafayette.
As for next steps, Van Schuyver says, “We are still waiting for the final report with the literature review,
but we’re excited to have state laws consolidated, suggestions for funding early childhood education, best practices from other communities who are doing quality care well, and having a cost calculator to look at the cost of programs, whether that’s having an evening, weekend, or early morning options for families. I do think we need to have more robust conversations around employer contribution and inclusion into this conversation.”
Van Schuyver concludes, “These sentiments were conveyed during the forum [in May].”
The forum agenda/video is located at: westlafayette.granicus.com ★
BY ANGELA K. ROBERTS
STOCK PHOTOGRAPHY
Gearing up for growth
Another $35M from Indiana’s READI program will fuel regional housing and infrastructure development
When South Korea-based SK hynix Inc. announced in April that it planned to invest nearly $4 billion to build an advanced packaging fabrication and R&D facility for AI products in Purdue Research Park, it was – in the vernacular of Purdue University – a “giant leap forward” for Indiana and Greater Lafayette.
The largest single economic development initiative in the history of the state, the announcement was also an indicator of Indiana’s growing leadership in the hardtech sector.
Yet while Purdue’s reputation for innovation was undoubtedly a draw for the world’s sixth largest semi-conductor company, that’s only one part of the economic development picture. As with every company that’s courted to any area, quality of life factors such as housing, infrastructure and amenities influence which town lands the business.
That’s where Indiana’s READI (Regional Economic Acceleration and Development Initiative) program comes into play. By encouraging regional cooperation among counties, cities and towns, the initiative funds projects designed to attract talent and grow Indiana’s economy.
In the first round of READI funding, the Greater Lafayette Region received $30 million in funds. This spring, the state announced READI 2.0, promising an additional $35 million to the area.
With initiatives overseen by a regional board of representatives from Greater Lafayette Commerce, city and county governments, Purdue University and Ivy Tech Community College of Indiana, READI 2.0 is poised to elevate the reputation of Tippecanoe and six adjacent counties as attractive places to live, work, play and raise families.
‘A great start’
Greater Lafayette Commerce CEO Scott Walker calls the combined $65 million from READI 1.0 and READI 2.0 “a great start” for the Greater Lafayette region.
“The money will help real development happen. That’s incredible for some of these communities that received these funds,” he says. While specific allocations are still being determined, Walker expects most of the money in the seven-county region will go toward housing development. Some of the funds will support the semiconductor industry.
Along with the funding, another bonus for the region is the collaborations that are being built, Walker says. “The federal government has principally been funding regions for a long time,” he explains. Even after READI 2.0 wraps, he expects similar opportunities will follow.
“There’s enough documentation that regions who collaborate and work well together will do better economically. For me, that’s the big and exciting part of this,” Walker says.
Benton, Carroll, Fountain, Montgomery, Tippecanoe, Warren and White counties are part of the regional coalition for READI 2.0. Individual counties will propose projects to the regional board, and then representatives will take the region’s wish list to the Indiana Economic Development Corporation for approval.
The ripple effect in housing
When it comes to Montgomery County, Crawfordsville Mayor Todd Barton expects to see projects around essential services and systems needed for housing growth.
“Housing could include infrastructure – water, sewer, road – that’s what we’re really focused on here,” Barton says. With a strong manufacturing base, Crawfordsville continues to attract new companies like Tempur Sealy International Inc., which added a $138 million foam pouring manufacturing facility in 2023.
An ample supply of housing is essential to attracting new businesses and talent. Midwest developer Arbor Homes recently announced it would be building 173 new homes on the north side of Crawfordsville, with an average price tag of $285,000. While some concerns have been raised about the cost of the new homes, Barton says that Montgomery County residents tend to underspend on housing, according to a recent study. That mirrors what Tippecanoe County officials found in their own research for READI 1.0.
Career Link
Both Walker and Barton say that building higher-priced homes frees up less expensive stock for other prospective homebuyers. “It’s about that ripple effect,” Barton explains. “There are plenty of people wanting to move up in that price point, but there are no homes available. When they move up, that opens up their home.”
County and regional priorities
With easy access to Indianapolis via Interstate 74, Montgomery County was placed in one of the Indy metro regions during READI 1.0. For this new round of funding, the state gave county officials the option to switch.
While lines of commerce run in various directions from Crawfordsville, plenty of Montgomery County residents drive north on US 231 to work, shop and dine in Greater Lafayette every day.
“I’ll be the first to say, we had some apprehension about joining the Greater Lafayette Region. What we saw in the end is a group that’s well organized and has learned to work well together,” Barton says. “Convening leaders throughout the region to create regional priorities has worked out very well. I’m very pleased with how we ended up.”
Partnerships for new housing
Housing was also a fundamental part of READI 1.0. Delphi, the seat of Carroll County, received funding to support the construction of market-rate apartments two blocks from the courthouse square. The Interurban Apartments complex will
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feature 68 units on a historic electric rail route that once connected Delphi to Logansport and Lafayette.
“READI 1.0 was a key factor in the funding mix, matching $1.498 million from the city,” says Delphi Mayor Anita Werling. The public-private partnership also includes $1.7 million in Tax Increment Financing (TIF) from the Delphi Redevelopment Commission and $3 million in tax credits from the state.
Werling expects the development to provide an economic boost to Delphi’s downtown, with shops, restaurants and entertainment venues benefiting from more residential foot traffic.
New senior housing developments in Lafayette are also benefiting from READI 1.0.
The 50-unit Snowy Owl Commons, which will be located on Twyckenham Boulevard near the Pay Less Super Market on Beck Lane, will target low- to moderate-income seniors. READI funds are contributing to the city’s infrastructure development around the property, including a walking trail and ADA-compliant sidewalk ramps.
The new Jeffersonian Apartments will be located next to the Historic Jefferson Centre Senior Apartments at Ninth and Brown Streets. The City of Lafayette is using READI funds to help cover essential infrastructure upgrades in the surrounding area, such as water, sewer, storm water systems, roads and sidewalks.
“What the housing study showed us is that generally people could afford more expensive homes,” Walker says. When residents move to senior housing, that frees up more single-family homes for a growing population.
The employment factor
Driving the need for more housing in the seven-county region is the expansion of the regional workforce. Over the next 10 years, the region aims to grow the population at a rate 150% faster than the previous decade, according to a news release issued by Greater Lafayette Commerce. That means more than 1,900 new people per year by 2033.
Hard-tech companies are expected to play a pivotal role towards this goal. The 430,000-square-foot SK hynix facility, which will be situated on 90 acres at Purdue Research Park, will yield up to 1,000 high-paying jobs.
“The state of Indiana is working very collaboratively with Purdue, and Purdue with the state, to make semiconductors one of the new areas of focus from an industry/economic development perspective,” says David Broecker, chief innovation and collaboration officer with Purdue Research Foundation.
With SK hynix needing partners to supply parts and maintain equipment, other new businesses are expected to move in to Greater Lafayette to fill the need. This indirect impact, known as the multiplier effect, could result in as many as 5,000 to 6,000 new positions in the community over time, Broecker says.
Over time, he adds, the burgeoning semiconductor industry in Greater Lafayette should put a spotlight on the region as a hub for leading-edge technology. That reputation should attract other hard-tech companies seeking to be part of a dynamic and innovative ecosystem.
In anticipation of increased demands for talent, Purdue and Ivy Tech have been gearing up their workforce development efforts with the help of READI 1.0 funds.
Last summer, they debuted a new semiconductor workforce development program for rising high school juniors and seniors. The two-week program, which repeated this summer, included handson experiences with faculty, site visits to area manufacturers and talks from industry leaders.
Such initiatives will help prepare area high school and college students for careers as technicians, operators and engineers to support the region’s semiconductor industry.
Developing local talent will help ensure that local residents get a piece of the hard-tech pie, in addition to the new residents expected to flock here in search of good jobs and a great quality of life. ★
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