Built in the late 1800s, Batesville’s Ward School, a project featured in the ‘Rural Schools Reimagined’ bundle, is a historically significant structure located in downtown Batesville. Despite its designation as a historic building within the National Register Historic District, it has been underutilized for the past 30 years and has had no permanent tenant for the past 8 years. Through the “Rural Schools. Reimagined.” initiative, the Ward School will be revitalized into a retail incubator in partnership with Batesville Main Street. This transformation aligns with the city's Downtown Development Plan, which identified a critical need for additional retail and restaurant spaces. The project will also enhance downtown connectivity, as the Ward School is strategically located near the Kids Discovery Factory (a READI 1.0 project) and Batesville City Hall with local match funding pedestrian improvements to link these key assets with the downtown core. Once completed, the Ward School will generate ongoing rental income for Batesville Main Street, provide opportunities for emerging retailers, and strengthen downtown’s retail and restaurant ecosystem, benefiting the entire community. The Ward School is expected to create 3 jobs with wages of $20/hr. READI funds will be leveraged for expenses relating to site prep and remodel of the building. All funding will be secured by December 31, 2025. Construction is expected to begin in June 2025 and be complete by September 2026.