​In 2016 the city of Corydon, the county seat of Harrison County, was awarded a Stellar Communities designation, which prompted $30 million in public and private investments, including downtown enhancements, housing rehabilitation, renovation of historic buildings and outdoor projects. The Stellar Communities program recognizes smaller communities in Indiana with a strong focus on community projects and economic development. Harrison County Economic Development Corp. overhauled its small-business loan program in late 2015 and has since made nine loans totaling $435,000. HCEDC finalized the purchase of 50 acres at Lanesville Interchange, which will be the newest addition to the Lanesville Business Park.

Plans for the former Keller Manufacturing Co. property mixed-use redevelopment site have been modified with the reduction in funding from county government and the Harrison County Community Foundation, Stellar Communities officials explained Wednesday, March 8, at a quarterly update on all things Stellar.

The hotel and convention center aspects of the plan have been scratched, but Keller park (west of the railroad tracks near Big Indian Creek) and the residential portion (east of the tracks) remain in the works.

The Harrison County Council pulled its funding commitment of $4 million, and the Harrison County Community Foundation followed suit with its $2.75 million.
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​Stellar communities have something in common — the desire for growth to improve the communities for their current and future residents. But their visions and implementations may differ. Two communities — one nearing completion of their Stellar projects and one just revving up — show how they do it.