Community members from Greencastle and DePauw will come together on Tuesday, October 22, to discuss the Growing Green and Gold Together initiative. At this event, the community can meet and engage with the initiative leadership and implementation teams, hear updates on the pre-planning work and learn the latest details of Growing Green and Gold Together. The event takes place from 6:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. in the DePauw University Union Building, 408 S. Locust Street.

The "Growing Green and Gold Together" initiative will significantly boost local businesses in downtown Greencastle. The development of new residential units and public spaces will increase foot traffic and economic activity in the area, benefiting existing businesses and attracting new entrepreneurs. Furthermore, the Downtown Small Business Incubator Fund will directly support the growth and success of small businesses, fostering growth in the thriving local economy. The addition of amenities, such as an indoor aquatics facility, will enhance the quality of life for Greencastle and Putnam County residents.

The "Growing Green and Gold Together" project, boosted by a grant from Lilly Endowment Inc., is a comprehensive initiative designed to address critical community needs through four key components:

Seminary Square Mixed-Use Development: This project will transform two city blocks into a mixed-use development featuring new residential units, commercial space, and parking. The development will offer a range of housing options to serve existing community members, while helping to attract and retain young professionals and families. By prioritizing communal green spaces and pedestrian-friendly streets, the area will reflect a more human-centric infrastructure that empowers spontaneous social connection.

Downtown Public Space Enhancement: This component focuses on revitalizing public spaces that facilitate major community events in and around Courthouse Square, the iconic center of downtown Greencastle. With the addition of new streetscapes, public spaces and a parking garage to support community activities and local businesses, these improvements make the area more conducive to events and gatherings as well as increasing its accessibility via pedestrian traffic from the campus of DePauw University.

Downtown Small Business Incubator Fund: Aimed at fostering local entrepreneurship, this fund will provide support for small business development and growth, contributing to the economic vitality of downtown Greencastle. As a partnership between Main Street Greencastle, the Greencastle/Putnam County Development Center and DePauw's School of Business and Leadership, this initiative will open doors for training and support on topics such as developing a business plan, small business finance and effective marketing, in addition to providing financial resources to current and future small business owners.

Putnam County YMCA and Natatorium: This project will assist in the establishment of a state-of-the-art YMCA facility with a natatorium, providing year-round aquatic access for recreation, exercise, therapy and community gatherings. The facility will cater to the needs of seniors, families and residents with disabilities, promoting health and well-being across the community. The proposed natatorium,, will likely incorporate features such as a zero-entry ramp , therapeutic benches, a flat area for aqua aerobics, swim lanes and an area for young children.