Information on Housing, Buildings, and More

For information on New Businesses, Permits & Licenses, Economic Development, Requests for Proposals (RFPs) & Bids, Reserving City Properties, and Available Land & Buildings please click this link.

For other community resources that are not listed on this page, please click this link.


Heritage Estates Subdivision

Please read below for more information on our new subdivision.

In 2018, the City of North Vernon had a housing study completed that showed Jennings County was over 400 market rate homes short of the needed amount.  City officials, along with local realtors and home buyers, have known of the need for additional housing for years.  However, development costs for a new subdivision were coming in with a price tag of $70,000.00 per lot, a much higher price tag than builders and developers could pay for housing in North Vernon.  Finding funding to close that gap seemed to be the only way to build a subdivision of any significant size.

In 2021, Governor Eric Holcomb announced a $500 million-dollar READI initiative, which required counties to collaborate and join forces to apply for those funds, and Jennings County paired up with Bartholomew and Jackson Counties to form the South-Central Indiana Talent Region and compete for those funds.  Then clerk-treasurer Shawn Gerkin and Jennings County Economic Development Director Kathy Ertel were instrumental in the application and funding request, and the region was awarded $30 million dollars.

One of the projects presented was what is now known as Heritage Estates, and the Indiana Economic Development Commission awarded the city $3.1 million dollars from the grant award for infrastructure for the subdivision!  This award, along with a local match from the North Vernon Redevelopment Commission, solved the gap in funding problem, and construction on the subdivision started in the fall of 2023 following months of planning.

The 111-lot subdivision is expected to have lots for sale to builders by the end of March of 2024, and the city hopes to see homes being constructed shortly thereafter.  Mayor Gerkin reiterates that there is not, and will not, be an exclusive realtor or builder in the subdivision and encourages all local builders to consider building in Heritage Estates.  And for those that wish to have a home built in North Vernon’s newest subdivision, please reach out to your local realtor or builder for details.



Questions? We have your answers. 

(These questions and answers were updated March 18th, 2024, these are also subject to change and will be updated as they are)

When will lots be available to buy? They are currently available! Please have your builder reach out to Josh Hillman with DC Development Corporation. jhillman@dcexc.com. (812) 282-9866.

What are the prices of lots? This is to be determined based off of location, size, and timing.

Who can purchase lots? Currently, only approved homebuilders.

How much will home prices be? That is to be determined by the home owner and the home builder.

Can I buy any lot? No. Please reference this map that shows lots available and the phases in which they are. 

Can I buy lots as an investment? No. Lots will only be sold to home builders, and home construction must start within 90 days of purchase date.

Can I use the builder of my choice? Absolutely! This is highly encouraged! You may use whoever you would like, as long as they meet the builder requirements of our homes.

Is there a covenants list available now? Yes, but please be aware these are subject to change, and will be updated as they are. Please click here to view.

What are the steps to this whole process? Please click here to see the process.

Will all of the houses be built on slabs? Homes can be built on a slab, crawlspace, or a basement depending on the home owner’s and home builder’s preference.

How can I put in bids? Any vendor/supplier/or contractor should contact their local builders for an opportunity to submit bids on any new homes.

Who is the primary contact for any other questions I may have? Josh Hillman with DC Development Corporation. jhillman@dcexc.com. (812) 282-9866.