Thursday, March 27, 2025
AUBURN, Ind. — The Auburn Development Group (ADG) secured necessary funding on Tuesday, March 11, 2025, in the form of $2 million in READI 2.0 funds to begin moving forward with the redevelopment of the Southwest corner of Auburn’s historic downtown with their project, The Auburn.
In excited anticipation of the construction of the project, an private invitation only groundbreaking ceremony will take place next week.
ADG, The Northeast Indiana Initiative (NEI), private investors, the Auburn Redevelopment Commission, and the City of Auburn have formed a multi-generational partnership, creating and maintaining a new cultural icon in the historic community’s surging downtown.
“The City of Auburn is thrilled about the upcoming reconstruction of our iconic hotel,” said Mayor Dave Clark. “Working alongside the developer has been a positive experience, and I’d like to thank the Auburn Redevelopment Commission for providing the public match to help make this project possible. I also want to commend the developer for designing the new building to replicate the charm of the original. We’re looking forward to seeing the project completed and the positive impact it will have on our community.”
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.
“The Auburn seeks to revitalize the intersection of Ninth Street and Main Street, in the City’s historic downtown, while paying homage to the iconic Auburn Hotel,” said Kevin Minard, President of the Auburn Development Group.
“The development looks to enhance upon its predecessor and be another 100-year culturally significant icon in the community, preserving its history as the City of Auburn moves forward.”
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.
“We want to take the time and care to do this in a way that honors the significance of the building in an era-appropriate manner,” said Minard.
Construction of The Auburn is anticipated to start this Spring and carry through the end of 2026.
With the sale of the former Auburn Hotel, ADG purchased condemned buildings located at 410, 414 and 418 South Main Street next to the Moose Lodge. They were subsequently demolished in 2023 for safety concerns. Development plans for 11th and Main are underway, and ADG looks to expand its vision beyond The Auburn.
“Our initial and continued investment in Auburn’s downtown is a testament to our belief in the cultural significance and economic potential of the City to the County, Region, and across the State,” said Minard. “Being a welcomed member of the Auburn community has been a catalyst in this endeavor, and we look forward to continuing to be a community partner in the years to come.”