FORT WAYNE, IN (Indiana's Newscenter) --
Like many Indiana towns, Ligonier is trying to do more with less money. Thanks to volunteer efforts and other private contributions, the city is currently renovating it's historical district.
Cavin Street has well over 150 years worth of history and a 130-thousand dollar grant from Indiana's Brownfield program will help to make sure some of that is preserved. The money is a big boost to a project that will seeks to transform a118-year-old former industrial building into a museum for children, complete with a preschool.
Ligonier City Building Commissioner Wayne Fox said "it's awesome, not only are we preserving part of our history and to make such good use of it, it's just perfect for this project"
Before the Discovery Museum can be built, officials have had to remove asbestos and still face many challenges that come with renovating a building built in 1890. Money is still being raised for a one million dollar capital campaign that will turn the former Mier and Carriage Buggy company into an interactive museum that teaches science and biblical history to the entire family
"it's a hands on learning place, the first floor is a city and it goes from the 1800's to present day, so the kids can come in and dramatic play in each place", said Tami Kreager of Discovery Museum
One of the bright spots of the restoration project involves large murals painted on buildings, volunteers have raised thousands of dollars to grab a piece of Ligonier's history and put it right onto these buildings.
More murals will be coming soon to Cavin Street, while the largest recycling project in Indiana is ongoing at the Essex Wire building. When it's completely recycled a riverwalk and park will take it's place. New Mayor Patty Fisel is hoping the new improvements to her city's historical district will breath new business life into a street with plenty of history.