Grant Fueling Revival of Downtown New Castle, IN

Jeff Adkins

It’s a heartwarming community success story: New Castle’s Main Street changing from a strip of struggling and shuttered businesses to a thriving historic downtown, thanks to a $2 million grant. Called PreservINg Main Street, the program is part of the Indiana Office of Community and Rural Affairs initiative to revitalize regional landmarks and boost locally owned businesses in downtown New Castle, IN.

Livability asked Carrie Barrett, executive director of New Castle Main Street, to tell us more. 

What does it mean that New Castle was chosen for the PreservINg Main Street grant in 2023? 
Being chosen as the PreservINg Main Street grantee is a confirmation that investing in ourselves is the right thing to do. The community was hit pretty hard in 2007 when Chrysler and many other companies left, and we were waiting for someone to come and save us. When we realized that we had to save ourselves, everything flipped, and we became a community worth investment. This grant program represents a lot of hope, potential and positivity. This big win has brought many other wins. It’s also brought back pride in our community. 

What improvements have been made to downtown New Castle so far? 
In 2019, a young couple bought a building downtown and sought help and direction from the EDC (New Castle- Henry County Economic Development Corporation) and New Castle Main Street. The rehab was more costly than they had anticipated. Corey Murphy, EDC president, worked with the Redevelopment Commission to start a grant program for building owners. New Castle Main Street facilitated the program and communicated with building owners. Public investment in downtown was $660,000 and private investment was almost $2 million. 

Planned improvements include facade improvements as well as addressing vacant upper levels. We’d like to help building owners by subsidizing feasibility studies for their vacant second and third floors. We’re excited to create living spaces in downtown buildings. We think that will really move the needle in terms of downtown growth. 

What are some of the things visitors should do while visiting Main Street New Castle? 
Visitors should start their day with coffee from The Press or a shake from Broad Street Blends, then visit our new candy shop. CJ’s Candies just opened; Valerie Lamb is an artist whose palette is chocolate. Visit one of our boutiques or take a dance class downtown at 1822 Vintage Boutique and Dance Studio. Grab lunch from Ky’s Lunch Box and then browse classic vinyl at Monkey Jack’s Emporium. Get an afternoon treat from The Barnett Co.

You can get ready for dinner at one of our many salons – get a facial at Radiance Beauty Bar and pamper yourself with a manicure from Diva Nails. Then, you’ll be ready to enjoy dinner from Primo and an after-dinner drink at Twin Lions wine bar or Blue River Taphouse.