By Ball State University Communications—
MUNCIE, Indiana — Today, the Ball State University Board of Trustees authorized Ball State President Geoffrey S. Mearns to execute an agreement with Trademark Construction, a homebuilder based in East Central Indiana. The agreement will allow Trademark to construct 17 new attached townhomes and eight new single-family homes as part of the University’s ongoing Village revitalization project.
“Constructing these homes is an important step in advancing our vision for The Village while supporting Muncie’s ongoing economic and residential growth,” Board Chair Rick Hall said. “We are grateful to our partners who are working alongside us to create a vibrant, welcoming community that provides more housing options near campus.”
Located between North and Gilbert Streets, the new residential properties will accommodate different homebuyer preferences and price points. The development also includes new green space, to be created by a partial vacancy of Dill Street. Site work is expected to begin this Spring, with the first homes available in 2026.
“Our University shares a goal with the City of Muncie to encourage more people to live in Muncie,” President Mearns said. “We hope that, with these newest housing options, we continue to witness the transformation of a commercial district that better serves the greater community as a whole.”
The new housing development is part of the University’s broader revitalization plan for The Village, a public-private initiative in partnership with city leaders and private developers, including Schahet Hotels. The revitalization effort is transforming The Village into a dynamic district featuring new entertainment, residential, and dining spaces. Construction is underway on the University’s new Performing Arts Center and adjacent Cantio Hotel, both of which broke ground in November. More recently, construction began on a new Center for Innovation, located at the southeast intersection of Ashland Avenue and Martin Street, just south of the University’s Alderdice Gates.
Trustees on Friday also received a comprehensive presentation about Optimus Primary, a distinctive initiative funded by Ball Brothers Foundation. The project is designed to expand physician training programs and increase healthcare workforce retention in the region. Partners involved in the initiative include Ball State, IU Health Ball Memorial Hospital, the Indiana University School of Medicine–Muncie, Ivy Tech Community College, Meridian Health Services, Open Door Health Services, and Taylor University.
Optimus Primary addresses the growing need for healthcare professionals by strengthening training pipelines and providing Immersive Learning experiences. The initiative aims to position Muncie as a leading medical education hub while addressing critical workforce shortages in nursing, allied health, and behavioral health.
Through its College of Health and Miller College of Business, Ball State provides students with Immersive Learning experiences that contribute to the initiative’s success. The University also supports Maplewood Guest House, a dedicated space for medical students completing clinical rotations in Muncie.
Since 2016, Ball Brothers Foundation has provided approximately $3 million in funding to support Optimus Primary, contributing to medical student housing, clinical training, and community health initiatives.
About Ball State
Founded in 1918 and located in Muncie, Ball State University is one of Indiana’s premier universities and an economic driver for the state. Ball State’s 20,000 students come from all over Indiana, the nation, and the world. The 790-acre campus is large enough to accommodate first-rate facilities and 19 NCAA Division I sports, but our welcoming and inclusive campus is small enough to ensure the friendliness, personal attention, and access that are the hallmarks of the University. Destination 2040: Our Flight Path establishes Ball State’s ambitious goals for our second century. We Fly!
