Developer secures $2M to fund project at former site of historic Auburn Hotel
Mar 26, 2025
AUBURN, Ind. (WANE) - A redevelopment project that aims to transform an Auburn relic now has the funding to do so.
Situated on the southwest corner of the city's historic downtown, plans for the upcoming development deemed "The Auburn" include "commercial opportunities", potential outdoor dining,
and apartments, according to a Wednesday press release. The project replaces the Auburn Hotel, which stood at 9th and Main streets for over a century but was torn down in 2024.
Earlier this month, READI 2.0 funding gave Auburn Development Group $2 million to move the project forward.
RELATED: Renderings released for redevelopment of Auburn Hotel
"This revitalization funding will allow us not only to construct this building in a manner that pays homage to the once elegant Auburn Hotel, but also to replicate an icon in a manner that will be self-sustaining for the next 100 years and beyond," said Kevin Minard, the president and managing member of Auburn Development Group.
On April 1, there will be a private groundbreaking ceremony. Construction is expected to last through the end of 2026, according to the release.
The former Auburn Hotel was bought by the development group in February 2023, and the initial plan was to renovate it, but the building was deteriorating and was deemed unsafe by its new owners. The hotel had been shut down for a few years, but businesses were still operating on the first floor and were forced to leave.
Developers say they are working to pay homage to the property's history. Plans include the use of limestone for the building's exterior, and incorporating "several significant artifacts" from the original building, according to the release.
The redevelopment project is a partnership between Auburn Development Group, the Northeast Indiana Initiative (NEI), private investors, the Auburn Redevelopment Commission, and the City of Auburn.
Auburn Development Group also said it is looking to "expand its vision beyond The Auburn" with three condemned buildings it purchased and demolished over safety concerns near the Moose Lodge. ...read more read less
