09-17-2026 Governor Braun Strengthens Housing Affordability in Southeast Indiana with READI

Governor Braun Strengthens Housing Affordability in Southeast Indiana with READI

GREENDALE, Ind. - Indiana Governor Mike Braun continues to advance housing affordability statewide through the Indiana Regional Economic Acceleration and Development Initiative (READI). In Southeast Indiana, local and regional officials hosted a ceremonial groundbreaking for Copper Creek Apartments in Dearborn County that will create 176 new market-rate apartments in Greendale.

"Indiana's population continues to grow, and we're making sure quality and affordable housing is available to meet that growth," said Gov. Braun. "Through READI, we're investing heavily in regional-driven developments that will create new options for Hoosiers to live in urban, rural and suburban communities. Copper Creek Apartments is yet another example of how Indiana is investing in its people and in its future."

Copper Creek Apartments is a $35.6 million multi-family development (including a $2 million READI 2.0 award) being constructed near I-275 in Greendale. The project will result in nine, three-story buildings, creating 176 new, modern rental units and bringing new life to a 10-acre site in the community that has long been vacant. Development and infrastructure work at the site started earlier this year, and vertical construction is now underway following today's groundbreaking. Pre-leasing is expected to begin in mid-2027, with a mix of one-, two- and three-bedroom units available for residents.

The apartment will offer units with market rate rents, filling a critical need for affordable housing in the area. In addition to housing, the development will include community- and quality of life-focused amenities, such as parking, a clubhouse, event room, exercise facility, swimming pool, and dog park and pet spa.

"Our six-county Southeast Indiana region set a goal of adding 1,800 new housing units and 5,000 new residents region-wide by 2030," said Bill Schirmer, president of the Southeast Indiana READI Board of Directors. "The groundbreaking of the Copper Creek Apartments project is a significant step toward achieving those goals and keeping our cities and towns thriving."

Indiana's READI program is a $1.25 billion investment in regional-led strategies designed to strengthen communities, retain and attract top talent, and increase opportunities for Hoosiers for years to come. Southeast Indiana was awarded $25 million in READI 1.0 and READI 2.0 matching funds, with additional project support through Lilly Endowment Inc. grant funds, to grow the region's quality of place, quality of life and quality of opportunity across Dearborn, Franklin, Ohio, Ripley, Switzerland and Union counties.

"The READI program has accelerated the growth of Greendale's population and local economy," said Greendale Mayor Vince Karsteter. "READI 1.0 helped modernize our regional wastewater treatment plant. Building upon that critical infrastructure, the Copper Creek Apartments READI 2.0 project is making much-needed new housing a reality in our city. Combined with our 2024 Indiana Office of Community & Rural Affairs Stellar Pathways designation, this READI investment is showing Greendale and Indiana know how to work together to make good projects happen."

In addition to READI 2.0 funding, the Indiana Economic Development Corporation (IEDC) committed an investment in the project of up to $2.7 million in the form of Redevelopment Tax Credits to support critical site development needs.

"Indiana's communities are as diverse as its landscapes, offering the right neighborhood to meet the needs and preferences of Hoosiers statewide," said Indiana Secretary of Commerce Chuck Goodrich. "Through READI, our regions like Southeast Indiana are increasing and expanding housing options, ensuring that all Hoosiers have access to and can afford to live, work and play in the community they choose."

Learn more at IndianaREADI.com.

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