Introducing Legacy on Main: AP Development LLC’s Vision for Richmond’s Historic Heart

Legacy on Main Logo

Some buildings are too important to lose.

That’s the driving idea behind Legacy on Main, the official brand for AP Development LLC’s $30 million redevelopment of six historic historic sites included 11 historic buildings located in a single city block along East Main Street in downtown Richmond, Indiana. After years of sitting underutilized, these architectural treasures are finally getting the future they deserve.

AP Development isn’t new to this kind of work. The Brownsburg-based firm has more than $315 million and nearly 1,300 units of housing under construction or in development across Indiana, Ohio and West Virginia. Historic rehabilitation isn’t a side project for this team. It’s the mission.

The Buildings

These aren’t just old buildings. They’re landmarks. Every one of them is a contributing structure within the Richmond Downtown Historic District, listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Together, they tell the story of what this city was built on.

Odd Fellows Building

Southwest corner of 8th and Main. One of Richmond's oldest surviving commercial structures with portions originally built in 1864.

Knollenberg's Building and Annex

Home to Richmond's beloved family-owned department store until 1995.

Hittle Building

A fixture of Richmond's historic commercial corridor.

Jenkins Building

Part of the unbroken architectural fabric of downtown Richmond.

Former Harris / BMO Building

The mid-century cladding has been removed, revealing the historic facade that was hiding underneath all along.

Kresge Building

Art Deco five-and-dime where generations of Richmond families shopped and grabbed lunch at the famous Kresge luncheonette. S.S. Kresge would eventually become Kmart, but this building belongs to Richmond's story.

Former Harris / BMO Building

What Legacy on Main Becomes

AP Development LLC is taking these magnificent historic structures and giving them a second life worth talking about. When complete, Legacy on Main will feature approximately 100 market-rate apartments, including studio, one-bedroom, and two-bedroom units, along with nearly 30,000 square feet of beautifully renovated commercial storefront space. Completion is slated for 2027.

Market-rate apartments in the heart of downtown. Retail spaces with real character. People living, working, and spending money on Main Street again.

“We are honored to restore these landmark buildings in a way that respects Richmond’s history and reflects the city’s vision for the future.”

Jon Anderson, President, AP Development LLC

Why We Named It Legacy on Main

The name isn’t accidental. These buildings already have a legacy. AP Development LLC is committed to ensuring that legacy continues and is not erased.

Every decision on this project runs through that filter. Restore what’s there. Honor what came before. Build something worthy of the next 150 years. Preserve the architecture. Respect the history. And Richmond gets something it can be genuinely proud of for generations to come.

The former Harris / BMO Building, facade removed

Part of Something Bigger

Legacy on Main is a cornerstone of the broader Revitalize Richmond initiative. In total, Revitalize Richmond represents about $100 million invested in giving downtown Richmond new life, funded in part through a $25 million grant to Earlham and complemented by additional community and private investment.

Team discussing building architecture

Richmond Has Always Had Good Bones

You don’t have to look hard to see it. The architecture on East Main Street is the kind of stuff other cities spend millions trying to recreate. Richmond already has it. It just needs someone willing to invest in bringing it back.

That’s exactly what Legacy on Main is.

About AP Development LLC

AP Development LLC works with communities to bring vacant historic buildings, industrial properties, and brownfields back to life as useful, vibrant spaces rooted in their original significance. For more information, visit www.apdevelopmentllc.com.

Legacy on Main is an AP Development LLC project, developed in partnership with Earlham College’s Revitalize Richmond initiative, the Economic Development Corporation of Wayne County, and the City of Richmond.