Paoli Housing Taskforce

The Paoli Housing Taskforce

25 by 25

Building and renovating 25 houses in Paoli by 2025

A new housing initiative has been created to improve the quality of place in Paoli, Indiana, as well as the quality of life of its citizens by creating diverse opportunities for housing and home building. Good quality housing will also improve living conditions and general health and wellness.

The quality of housing also impacts our students’ success at our schools, workforce performance of our laborers and makes the county as a whole a more productive part of the Indiana Uplands region.

Lost River Career Cooperative

Lost River Career Cooperative students from Orange and Washington counties, under the leadership of construction trades department instructor Jon Shellenberger, are constructing the home with innovative insulated concrete forms that increase energy efficiency and reduce construction costs. The home will be sold to a private resident upon completion, and project leaders hope it will serve as a model for future housing development.

The home’s design was led by Indiana University Eskenazi School of Art, Architecture, and Design faculty member Jon Racek and inspired by the work of his students in a partnership with Orange County residents through IU Center for Rural Engagement initiatives.

Looking Ahead

We will continue to lead efforts to improve housing for our community and begin efforts for creating a more inter-generational community that would be environmentally friendly, encouraging use of solar and passive energy, as well as garden and green spaces. Future housing opportunities include: single family homes of 1-3 bedrooms, plexes that would offer cohabitated living, assisted living for seniors who are downsizing, tiny homes and apartment rentals for individuals or young families.

Sidewalks, streets, and other infrastructure will all be considered as well during the process. It is essential that we begin building quality housing to offer to our residents and to offer to new potential incoming home buyers. This effort will enhance our workforce, school systems, health and wellness, and uplift the entire image of Paoli and the region.

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