Development is happening across the Indiana Uplands, but in Paoli, one project demonstrates that successful redevelopment is about more than revitalizing a building. It’s about strengthening a community.
For that reason, Court Street Commons was honored with the 2026 Quality of Place Innovation Award during Regional Opportunity Initiatives’ Annual Report to the Region on Oct. 2.
Through Court Street Commons, Chris Terrell and his LLC, Lost River Holdings, transformed a historic downtown building into a community hub that houses multiple organizations dedicated to supporting children, strengthening families, and improving community well-being.
Built in 1936 and nestled on Paoli’s town square, the building has been reimagined as a community resource that supports families, children, and residents across Orange County.
Over the last several years, Terrell, a lifelong Orange County resident, has repaired, remodeled, and reinvented Court Street Commons into a space that houses multiple organizations dedicated to supporting children, strengthening families, and improving community well-being.
The lower level is home to Building Blocks, an early learning and child care resource and referral agency, and Family Time Inc., a nonprofit organization that works closely with the Department of Child Services to assist in family reunification and provide resources to families.
The building also houses Families Forward, an emerging nonprofit focused on social determinants of health, and OC Bridge of Hope, which provides children with clothing when they enter state custody.
An additional initiative, Robin’s Nest, is also being developed within the building. Named in honor of retired CASA director Robin Brown, the space will provide a safe and welcoming environment where children can stay after being removed from their homes while awaiting kinship or foster care placement.
Upstairs are eight apartments and a small laundromat. Still in the works for the Commons are solar power and rainwater collection systems, a grocery-style food pantry, and additional green space.
None of this happens without the passionate advocacy and tireless effort of Chris Terrell. To give an idea of the type of person he is, when one of his residents faced a prolonged hospital stay, Terrell stopped by daily to feed her cat.
That spirit of service helped inspire the nomination for the award.
Terrell’s daughter, Gracie, nominated her father and the Court Street Commons project after watching the transformation unfold over several years. As she watched the project take shape, she also learned how business and philanthropy can intersect to create a true grassroots community legacy.
The Court Street Commons project is a wonderful example of how a historic building can become a true community resource where residents can find support, resources, and a place to call home.
About the Award
The Quality of Place Innovation Award recognizes projects and meaningful community improvements that enhance the Indiana Uplands as an inventive, industrious, and friendly place to live, work, and play.