This winter will be bright for Ayla and Gabe Lindsey as they watch their two young sons experience the magic of the holidays in their new home nestled in the French Lick Klondike Subdivision.
Not far from Ayla and Gabe, Lori Atsedes looks forward to hosting holiday parties in her new home, where she can showcase her favorite room: her kitchen.
The Lindseys and Atsedes are the newest residents of Orange County’s growing neighborhood—made possible through a partnership among French Lick Resort, the Town of French Lick and its Redevelopment Commission, and the Orange County Economic Development Partnership (OCEDP). The Klondike Subdivision also received Regional Economic Acceleration and Development Initiative (READI 1.0) funding to install roadways, sidewalks, drinking water, stormwater, and wastewater infrastructure.
Construction on the 27 single-family, owner-occupied homes began in the summer of 2024. Six homes have been built so far, all sold to employees of Orange County businesses. The next group of six homes is expected to be ready in early 2026, according to Skylar Whiteman, Executive Director of the Orange County Economic Development Partnership. Interested buyers can submit an application to be considered for a new home. One of the requirements is that they live and work in Orange County.
“We had a large number of applications for the first group of homes, and we continue to get calls and messages on a weekly basis about the next ones,” Whiteman said. “There is still a lot of excitement, and our office continues to get inquiries asking for status updates.”
The Klondike Subdivision is about more than new construction — it’s about creating opportunity and investing in the people who bring Orange County to life.
“This partnership to expand affordable housing is helping to strengthen the foundation for our community’s families and businesses to thrive,” Whiteman said. “The excitement from potential homeowners and the community as a whole has been wonderful to see.”
Regional Opportunity Initiatives, through READI 1.0 funding, provided critical support for the subdivision’s infrastructure, helping to make these homes a reality.
“The Klondike Subdivision is a perfect example of how READI 1.0 funding is transforming communities across the Indiana Uplands,” said Julie Halbig, ROI’s Vice President for Economic & Community Development. “These strategic investments allow us to build essential infrastructure, expand affordable housing, and create vibrant neighborhoods where people can live, work, and thrive. ROI is proud to help advance economic and community prosperity in Orange County and across our 11-county region.”
Ayla and Gabe were looking to buy a new home for their growing family when they decided to apply for a home in the Klondike Subdivision.
Ayla has lived in Orange County her entire life, while Gabe moved here from Vincennes in 2020. Ayla is the marketing and executive coordinator for Springs Valley Bank & Trust Company, and Gabe works in construction for his family company, Lindsey’s Construction.
“We were looking for more space as our family grows, and our house in the Klondike Subdivision offers that,” Ayla said.
The couple moved into their home in April. Soon, they made one of their favorite memories yet in their new home: Bringing their youngest son home from the hospital. Memories are made daily as the couple watches their sons bond and grow.
“Owning a home here means stability for our boys, a safe community to grow up in, and a place where we can make lasting memories together,” Ayla said.
For Lori Atsedes, coming to French Lick was an easy decision, but finding a place to live was more challenging. Lori first moved to French Lick in the winter of 2022 and is the first female Head Professional Golf Pro at the Donald Ross Course at French Lick Resort.
Having played golf all her life on different tours, Lori would rent a room or an apartment, never being in one place long enough to even consider buying a home. After working in French Lick for a couple of years and becoming more connected to her new community, she started to think she might want to become a homeowner after all.
“The homes, the golf course, the beautiful landscape — it’s hard to find a community like this with all of these features,” added Atsedes. “What I liked most about the community was the friendliness of the people; everyone waved, stopped by to say ‘Hello.’”
For Atsedes, life in this growing neighborhood represents more than comfort — it’s about roots, community, and the promise of the future.
“Living in French Lick has increased my respect for the opportunities French Lick Resort provides to the community and the employees. I have been all over the world and have never been a part of such an incredible family of people.”
To learn more about the Klondike Subdivision and to submit an application, visit https://www.ocedp.com/housing