Spear-Huff Studio awarded $10K for revitalization project on Sheridan’s Historic Downtown Main Street

The Sheridan Redevelopment Commission recently presented a $10,000 check to Melinda Spear-Huff, owner of Main Street’s Spear-Huff Studio.

The check, presented July 23, is the final step for the studio in a Sheridan Façade Improvement Grant (SFIG) program launched in January. There are three additional owners working toward awards for their buildings as well.

“The Town of Sheridan has an historic business district that is the envy of other municipalities with 38 buildings more than 100 years old,” Redevelopment Commission Chairman Parvin Gillim said. “Maintaining and rejuvenating these structures along with their beautiful facades is not just good stewardship but is a statement of pride and economic vitality. The Commission is happy to have established a $200,000 grant program that can accelerate and support the community’s commitment to revitalization.”

The program offers Main Street building owners a matching grant for preserving and revitalizing buildings within the district recognized by the National Register of Historic Places. The process – supported through a partnership between Sheridan Main Street Inc. and Ball State University’s Center for Historic Preservation – includes discussion about the architectural details and historic significance of the building. Fifteen buildings have been through the design process. Through that work, the owner and the Center co-create a design that honors the building’s heritage, addresses the building’s needs for long-standing preservation, and assures the building’s contribution to an overall, cohesive design for Main Street. From there, an owner works through the application and approval process to secure reimbursement funds.

“We are grateful for the support from the town,” Spear-Huff said in said in her thank you to the Commissioners. “We were able to do so much more than we originally planned knowing that there would be such a generous match. Our family is quite pleased with the results and thrilled to be a contributor to the Main Street we love.”

The SFIG program is an extension of a 2023 $100,000 matching grant program offered by United Animal Health.

Sheridan Main Street Inc., a supporting partner to both grant programs, has provided a walking map and window displays in several downtown buildings showing the designs.

Anyone wanting more information or to become involved with the community efforts may contact Cindy Keever, President of Sheridan Main Street Inc., at keevercynthia@gmail.com.