Urban Homescape Initiative

Homes for the Future Program

The Homes for the Future – Urban Homescape Initiative will leverage ARPA funds and a portfolio of parcels transferred from Indiana State University (ISU) to the City of Terre Haute to stimulate high-quality infill housing development on the east side of our beautiful downtown campus. In partnership with Thrive West Central, the Department of Redevelopment invites experienced developers to propose vibrant, sustainable housing that strengthens surrounding neighborhoods and appeals to a wide range of market-rate buyers.

Applications for this program will be submitted through the Thrive West Central proposal portal. Developers and builders may request from five to ten build sites. Thrive’s award funding for this initiative is outlined below. To complete the Homes for the Future program, developers must apply for and complete all homes by September 30, 2026.

The following Guidelines apply only to properties in this initiative and all properties in this initiative. All property must have Single Family Homes; Townhomes or Condominiums (Duplex Homes) constructed on it and must be sold as Primary Residence by the builder. Each home must be sold and must have an MLS listing associated with it. This initiative is not intended for development of investment property, rental property, or student housing.

Please review the property map below outlining available property and suggested building types for each area. Thrive funding will be awarded in accordance with this plan. Developers are welcome to propose alternative ideas which will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis.

Note that a selection of properties have been set aside as Green Space. Thrive and The City of Terre Haute are working with the City Park Department for future, trail heads, neighborhood playgrounds or community garden spaces. – This is not a guarantee of future parks – this information is meant to be informative only.

Note that a selection of properties have been targeted for Townhomes, and Duplexes in order to provide higher density housing. Developers may propose alternative home plans, however Thrive Award will be prorated to correspond with any lower density proposals.

Developers are welcome to propose mixed use developments along 13th Street. Per agreements with Indiana State University, any mixed-use development must not include for-rent housing units. Housing Units must be for sale, owner occupied and purchase agreements must include covenants requiring future sales as such.

Guidelines for all Proposals

Developers must submit a comprehensive development packet including:

  • Design Renderings (at minimum: front elevation)
  • Site Plans (for each requested parcel)
  • Floor Plans
  • List of requested parcels from program list
  • Construction Schedule
  • Proof of Financial Capacity
  • Developer Portfolio/Experience (5 year minimum)
  • Thrive Submittal List
  • Construction Cost Estimate and Projected Sale Price

Proposals will be evaluated on:

  • Architectural design quality and compatibility with neighborhood
  • Developer’s track record and financial capability
  • Timeline for construction
  • Community impact (design innovation, sustainability, long-term occupancy)
  • Balance across the parcel inventory (to avoid clustering or oversaturation)

Design Guidelines for All Homes

These requirements help maintain quality and contextual harmony:

  • 1
    All homes must be site-built, stick-frame construction.
  • 2
    Roof pitch must be at least 4-12 or match the block average if steeper.
  • 3
    Front entrance must face the addressed street.
  • 4
    Minimum 20 square feet of window area must face the street or streets for corner lots.
  • 5
    Minimum 60 square feet of covered front porch required on street-facing elevation.
  • 6
    Architectural diversity is encouraged. No more than 2 homes with identical elevations may be constructed side-by-side. Color palette should be complimentary and not duplicative to neighboring homes.
  • 7
    Attached garages must be recessed, and or side-loaded unless approved otherwise.
  • 8
    Use of high-quality, low-maintenance exterior materials is required (e.g., fiber cement, masonry, premium vinyl).
  • 9
    Landscaping plans are required for each parcel including trees in the tree-row and foundation plantings.

Construction & Performance Guidelines for All Awarded Projects

  • This program is targeting 5 to 10 parcels per developer. Proposals requesting more than 10 properties will be reviewed on a case by case basis.
  • If the homes are not completed within the agreed timeline, ownership may revert back to the City under terms of the developer agreement. Acquisition Fee will be forfeited.
  • Developer must comply with all city building, zoning, and permit regulations.
  • Sidewalk installation or repair is required where applicable.
  • 1-year New Home Warranty – Builder’s Standard.
  • Homeowner’s Manual with finish schedule, warranties and supplier information will be provided.
  • Provide attic stock of hard flooring and each paint selection for future owners.

Construction & Performance Guidelines for Projects Awarded Thrive Funding

  • Construction of ALL homes in each contract must be completed by September 30, 2026.
  • Thrive awards are infrastructure grants and are paid out as reimbursement for qualified infrastructure investments. Reimbursement will be paid at the completion of contract. Each pay application for reimbursement must be accompanied by invoices from the supplier/vendor and documentation of completed work – including photos. All reimbursements totaling over $10,000 to any single vendor must be accompanied by a second estimate and a written narrative explaining the rationale for vendor selection.
  • All build sites are eligible for up to $6,500 of targeted Thrive infrastructure support funding per housing unit.

How to Apply

Applications will be submitted through the Thrive Portal

Submission documents

  • 1
    Review the neighborhood map for available properties.
  • 2
    Select adjacent properties and click Download Property List.
  • 3

    Complete the Application Form (RFP)

  • 4

    Attach the required exhibits for all applicants:

  • Property List
  • Floor Plans and Design Renderings
  • Site Plan and Landscaping Plan
  • Construction Schedule
  • Proof of Financial Capacity
  • Developer Portfolio/Experience

  • Thrive Material and Equipment Submittal Form

  • Total Cost Estimate with Infrastructure Breakdown

Award

  • Applications will be evaluated on a rolling monthly basis. Proposals will be reviewed on the 2nd and 4th Tuesday of each month. Thrive and The Department of Redevelopment will review and approve applications in order to achieve the greatest positive impact on the neighborhood, based upon quality of builds, design of homes, density of homes and schedule of completion. Successful applicants will be notified by Thrive’s Housing Department. Awardees will receive a contract from Thrive for funding, and a contract with the Department of Redevelopment for transfer of property deeds.
  • Successful applicants will be required to pay an acquisition fee to the Department of Redevelopment in the amount of $5000 per building site. This fee covers the costs of surveying and title work. Deeds will be picked up at the Department of Redevelopment at which time payment of the Acquisition Fee will be required. Builders will have 30 days to record the deeds with the City Clerk.
  • Awardees of Thrive Funding will receive a contract from Thrive which must be executed prior to beginning work. Awardees of Thrive funding are required to submit quarterly updates to Thrive

Timeline

  • Must apply for and complete all homes by September 30, 2026
  • Proposals will be reviewed on the 2nd and 4th Tuesday of each month.