Developer seeks tax break on $16.2M apartment project

A local developer plans to build a 260-unit apartment complex on 22.5 acres on the southwest side, and is asking the city of Indianapolis for a tax break to help defray costs.

Herman & Kittle Properties Inc. has proposed developing the $16.2 million project on vacant property southwest of Mann and West Mills roads. The market-rate apartment community would consist of 29 residential buildings, a clubhouse, covered parking and a pool, according to its tax abatement request with the city.

An analysis by city development staff estimates that the project will add $11.4 million in assessed value to the tax base. In addition to the $16.2 million cost of developing the project, Herman & Kittle expects to pay the city about $600,000 for infrastructure improvements to the Mann and West Mills intersection.

Herman & Kittle has requested a three-year tax abatement, which would save the firm about $452,000 in property taxes, according to city staff. During that time, it still would pay an estimated $229,000 in property taxes.

After the abatement expires, the firm would pay about $227,000 annually in property taxes for the apartment development.

The company is seeking the tax break to help offset the cost of the $600,000 in roadway improvements, according to city staff.

The project would create four jobs at an average wage of $22 per hour.

The Metropolitan Development Commission will consider the abatement request during its meeting at 1 p.m. Wednesday. MDC staffers have recommended that the commission approve the abatement.

Herman & Kittle develops, owns and manages multifamily rental housing and self-storage facilities throughout the Midwest and Gulf regions, according to its website. It currently manages more than 100 properties, including more than 8,000 apartment homes and 12,000 self-storage units.