LaGrange Pledges $750K for Hillside DASH Development

On Tuesday, the LaGrange City Council has approved $750,000 in financial support for a housing development planned by DASH in the Hillside area.

DASH (Dependable Affordable Sustainable Housing) plans to build 14 single- family homes in the Hillside Community off of Jefferson Street near Beacon Brewery. The plan calls for seven detached houses (five with separate garages), along with six townhouses, and a single duplex unit.

The housing development coincides with another redevelopment effort by DASH to renovate and restore five commercial spaces off of Lincoln Street. DASH representatives advised they have already gotten commitments to fill the spaces with a retail shop, a bakery, a grocery store, a barbecue restaurant, and an ice cream shop.

The developers are particularly excited about the addition of the grocery store, as Hillside residents —including residents of the new development— will be able to shop for food within walking distance.

In order to fund the housing development, the Callaway Foundation has provided a grant of $2 million. DASH has committed $750,000 of its own funds and asked the city and county to each contribute $750,000.

During Tuesday’s Mayor and Council Meeting, the council unanimously voted to support the endeavor using a portion of the city’s American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds. DASH is expected to make a similar request from the county at their next meeting.

DASH has had a number of successful efforts to revitalize areas of LaGrange with financial support from the city and others, but council members have long wanted the organization to become self-sufficient. DASH hopes the new development will help them gain self-sufficiency with rent from the new homes and businesses. The new homes will be approximately 65 percent market rate and 35 percent workforce housing.

DASH representatives advised that the project is currently ready to start with an estimated completion of January 2024.

Mayor Jim Thornton voiced support for the project, saying he sees the Hillside area with Beacon Brewery and the addition of the new shops as becoming a potential “Second Downtown” for LaGrange.

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Tommy Murphy
Staff Writer