Growing Green and Gold Together Hosts Kickoff Event

Putnam County leaders and citizens joined DePauw administration, faculty, staff and students at the Union Building ballroom for an update on the Growing Green and Gold Together initiative. The initiative's executive leadership team, which includes representatives from DePauw University and the City of Greencastle, presented project details, welcomed an important new team member and conducted an audience Q and A session.

Among the specifics discussed were timelines for infrastructure updates, project bidding process and design. Seminary Square multi-use development is in its conceptual phase with requests for proposals expected to get out in early Spring. Implementation teams have been established for Seminary Square as well as downtown development, small business incubation, cinema relocation and the Putnam County YMCA and Aquatics Center respectively.

Jason Chew has been named the initiatives Project Director and Community Liaison. Chew is a Putnam County native and former principal and administrator for the North Putnam School Corporation.

Interested community members are encouraged to participate in this exciting initiative. To volunteer or otherwise get engaged, email [email protected] or fill out this form.

About Growing Green and Gold Together
The "Growing Green and Gold Together" initiative is a collaborative effort by DePauw University and the City of Greencastle to support local development and enhance the quality of life for all residents. The initiative builds upon DePauw University's strong partnerships with the City of Greencastle and local organizations, reflecting a significant investment in the shared future of all community stakeholders. With generous support from the Lilly Endowment Inc.'s College and Community Collaboration, the project will address critical community needs through four key components:

Seminary Square: A two city block mixed-use development featuring residential units and commercial space, providing a range of housing options to serve multiple target markets within the community.

Downtown Public Space Enhancement: Revitalization of spaces around Courthouse Square to facilitate community events and improve connectivity with DePauw's campus.

Downtown Small Business Incubator Fund: A partnership with local organizations to support entrepreneurship and economic growth in Greencastle, including student entrepreneurs.

Putnam County YMCA and Natatorium: An inclusive aquatics center enhancement to the state-of-the-art facility already under construction promoting health and well-being across our community.

Photo by Brittney Cooper: Left to right. Dionne Jackson, Jason Chew, Lynda Dunbar, Laurie Hardwick, Andrea Young.