Set to include office space, retail space and residential apartments, the development was approved by the Carmel City Council by a vote of 6 to 1 in favour.
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Dubbed ‘The Bridges’, the project will span 65 acres and will be developed by Gershman Brown Crowley, a developer based in the state.
“We have a long way to go before the first shovel goes in the ground,” said Tom Crowley.
“We are talking to a number of entities, who are definitely interested in establishing a presence in the area, but any and all plans must fit within the plans we submitted to the City of Carmel, and we want to establish a dialogue with neighbors in the area.”
Approval of the plans by the City Council was dependent on higher berms along the perimeter of the development as well as the contribution of funds for the improvement of roads in the area.
The development has been named for the classic stone bridges the developer intends to build over water features which will go around the site.
Most of the project’s buildings would be designed in a ‘prairie style’ layout by the same architects that are responsible for Hamilton Town Centre.
Bike and pedestrian paths would surround the buildings.
However, not all residents are in favour of the huge development.
Zak Brown, president of the Springwood Estates Neighborhood Association and CEO of a Zionsville-based motorsports marketing firm told the Indianapolis Business Journal: “The project is over the top as far as size and scope.
“It feels like they’re putting a massive mall in my backyard without addressing traffic. And I don’t think any of us think it’s needed.”
Editor’s notes: When the scheme which is located on W 116th Street & Spring Mill Road was completed it offered 250,000 square feet of prime retail space but no office space.
However, in January 2023, plans were submitted for a 3-storey, 17,000-square feet medical office building at the site.