Brightpoint Celebrates Completion of $2.5 Million Clugston Renovation

Columbia City, IN – Brightpoint held an open house yesterday at 108 South Chauncey Street in Columbia City to celebrate the completion of renovations at the Clugston on the Square, an affordable apartment community for residents 55 and older.

This beautiful, three-story building is in the heart of downtown, right on the Whitley County courthouse square. Part of the Whitley Crossings Neighborhood Corporation, a subsidiary of Brightpoint, the Clugston offers apartments for households with incomes at or below 60% of the Area Median Income.

The Clugston has been a church, school, hotel, and dry goods store and is included on the National Register of Historic Places. The building’s high ceilings, original woodwork, brick walls, and second-floor terrace give it an old-world ambience. The recently completed renovations preserved the history of the building, while upgrading the structure to better serve its residents.

The list of improvements at the Clugston includes: replacing the HVAC system; updating the mechanical system and electrical fixtures; installing a reinforced concrete pad and repairing asphalt in the parking lot; repairing flooring; painting; updating plumbing fixtures; updating casework and lighting in the common areas; replacing exterior windows and doors; and updating kitchen and bathroom sinks, tubs and cabinets.

Construction for the $2.5 million project began January 2022 and was completed at the end of October. Over half of the costs were covered by HOME funding from HUD through the Indiana Housing and Community Development Authority. Additional funding was made possible by Star Financial Bank and Federal Home Loan Bank of Indianapolis.

Those interested in learning more about this historic staple in the community may call 260-244-9317 or email marcythompson@mybrightpoint.org.

Brightpoint is a private, 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization serving more than 43,000 people across northeast Indiana. Through a wide range of programs, Brightpoint helps communities, families, and individuals remove the causes and conditions of poverty. All Brightpoint services are provided without regard to race, age, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, disability, national origin, ancestry, or status as a veteran.

The Whitley Crossings Neighborhood Corporation (WCNC) is an IRS-designated 501(c)(3) nonprofit corporation and a subsidiary of Brightpoint. WCNC is dedicated to providing safe, affordable housing for a wide range of people, including senior citizens and people with disabilities.

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