The city of Columbus will help fund renovations of the former offices of “The Republic” if a plan approved Monday by the Redevelopment Commission receives city council approval. Indiana University’s School of Art, Architecture and Design plans to open the J. Irwin Miller Master of Architecture program in the building this fall. The school is asking for local help of $2 million toward the renovations, with half of that coming from the city and half from other community partners.

Mayor Jim Lienhoop says that IU is pouring millions of dollars into the program locally. He explains that it is important for the city to demonstrate that it is willing to form partnerships and “buy-in” to project such as these. Lienhoop says that the program will shine a brighter light on the architecture of Columbus while furthering the city’s goal of expanding employment opportunities.

The Redevelopment Commission voted 4-0 to approve funding $1 million for the work out of the city’s downtown TIF district. Don Trapp abstained. Since the commission cannot spend more than $500,000 on a project without city council approval, the council is expected to consider the proposal at its next meeting on June 5th.