Groundbreaking set for Muncie housing project

Officials in Muncie will break ground Wednesday on a nearly $12 million housing project. The city says City View 2 will transform 37 lots owned by the Muncie Redevelopment Commission into single-family homes.

The majority of the properties are located on the city’s south side, with many of the new homes taking the place of blighted houses or other eyesores, officials said.

The city said last year 10 homes will be located in the Southside Neighborhood, 10 in the Thomas Park/Avondale area, and a total of 17 in the Industry, Blaine SE and East Central neighborhoods.

As part of the City View project, the homes will begin as rental units with residents having the opportunity for homeownership.

“This project accomplishes a number of goals for our community,” Muncie Mayor Dan Ridenour said in a news release. “First, it provides more housing stock, which is sorely needed in our growing community. It also removes blight, provides quality of place for our neighborhoods, and turns vacant lots into occupied properties. That boosts our City’s revenue and increases our funds for schools, infrastructure, and public safety.”

The project is an extension of the original City View Homes effort, which saw the construction of 48 new residences, including townhomes and single-family homes.

In February 2022, the city announced it had selected Miller Valentine Construction, which has since rebranded to Pivotal Housing Partners, as the developer for the project.

The groundbreaking ceremony will take place at 1 p.m. Wednesday at one of the City View sites at 1500 East 8th Street.