Developer reveals plans for $40M Westfield project

A Westfield-based investment group is working on plans for a so-called “life wellness” development on land it’s buying from Westfield-Washington Schools.

Dubbed “The Junction” in a rezoning application, the mixed-use project at U.S. 31 and State Road 32 could include a medical office building, family entertainment center and hotel/meeting space in addition to some retail uses.

As IBJ reported last week, the school district has agreed to sell the 9.6-acre property—now home its football/track stadium and junior varsity baseball field—to Westfield Community Investors for $4 million. The group also has a $2 million option on an adjacent 4.5-acre parcel, which won’t be developed immediately.

Superintendent Mark Keen described The Junction as a $40 million development, but said it can’t get started until the school district builds a new football stadium. He asked the Westfield City Council for $2.5 million to accelerate construction, saying property taxes from the project will repay the city’s investment within three years.

City Council is expected to hold a public hearing on the funding request May 12. The panel also will get its first look at the developer’s conceptual plans for the site. (See renderings below.)

EdgeRock Development LLC is seeking to rezone the property as a planned unit development—establishing special rules and development standards. A project narrative included with the application said uses will include “medical, office, fitness, lodging, senior residential, restaurants and entertainment.”

A preliminary site plan shows six multistory buildings on the land west of Shamrock Boulevard. Another three are planned for the second phase east of Shamrock.

Westfield residents R. Birch Dalton and Randy Zentz are leading the project, which they say will complement the schools, the neighborhood and the city’s Grand Junction downtown redevelopment plan.

A two- to three-story medical office building likely will be the first puzzle piece to fall into place.

“There has been a tremendous amount of interest from a variety of medical services providers and investors,” EdgeRock said in a prepared statement, adding that a deal is imminent.

If the zoning change is approved, construction could begin next year—or whenever the athletic fields are relocated.

Conceptual rendering of view from raised intersection of U.S. 31 and State Road 32. (Click to enlarge.)

Conceptual rendering of view from future roundabout at State Road 32 and Shamrock Boulevard. (Click to enlarge.)