City selling more Central State land

May 1, 2007
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A development team that bought 115 acres at the former site of Central State Hospital may soon buy another 33 acres from the city, at a cost of $223,500. Sound cheap? Mike Higbee, president of Development Concepts Inc. and one of the buyers, said the price reflects a need to clear the land and address environmental issues before development. "It's certainly not a gift," he said. His development team, which also includes Charles Garcia of GM Construction Inc., is planning between 200 and 300 single-family residences and 20-30 acres of commercial space for the property at the corner of West Washington Street and Tibbs Avenue. The Metropolitan Development Commission could approve the sale tomorrow. The first chunk of land sold for $1.45 million.
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  • MikeMay 1, 2007 10:27 AM
    The environmental concerns probably include bones and other bodies that were dumped on that land many many years ago. I think this will be a great project if it is done right. Are they planning on making it a community like West Clay or even like Fall Creek with a mix of commercial and real-estate, or just another conglomerate of houses?
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  • CoryMay 1, 2007 12:56 PM
    The developers haven't filed a site plan yet, so it's hard to tell. But I get the sense the project will feature mainly single-family homes, park land and a commercial component.
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  • ryanMay 2, 2007 3:57 PM
    please, please make this a destination! i get nervous at the thought of teardowns (enough history has been unfortunately torn down there) and not-dense-enough development. this could be an absolute gem if done right with a solid/creative (did i just say that about an indy real estate development?) use of the land. mid-rise and single-family (think of the skyline views that could be embraced or wasted), multi-story retail/condos and park space. maybe a community center or an area for local art? i'm eagerly waiting for this project to unfold!
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  • JimMay 2, 2007 9:31 PM
    Speaking as someone who works in this area, many issues need to be addressed. This area desperately needs retail, affordable housing, and restaurants which appeal to low, working and middle class families. Also, acknowledge the historic nature of the land and dedicate/address signage to explain it's significance. The growing population in this are is Hispanic. Keep the soccer fields and parks and expand the recreation areas which the Hispanic neighbors fully utilize. Also, give incentive to property owners and landlords in this area to update, renovate and improve current housing to compliment the land development.
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  • CorrNDMay 3, 2007 9:42 AM
    I absolutely agree with you Jim. In addition to development concerns, I hope they make an attempt to save some of the HUGE trees on that lot, particularly the grove in the center of the property. It could be left as a smaller version of Military Park, or developed as a kind of town square with retail lining the edges.
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  • MikeMay 3, 2007 12:19 PM
    Cory, do you ever send any of these comments to the actual developer or to the people involved with whatever blog you post. It would be a waste of all of our time and comments if you don't submit these great ideas! IBJ has a strong backing of intellectual, well connected people. If the developers aren't reading this blog, which my guess would be they don't have the time, then someone needs to let them know. Will that be you?
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  • CoryMay 4, 2007 9:34 AM
    Mike, you raise a great question. My sense is the developers appreciate feedback and discussion like this as much as anyone. Hopefully they'll check in regularly and join the conversation. I'm open to other ideas, too.
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  1. Just because someone supports the project, they are a PR shill for the developer? Myself and everyone I know has no connection whatsoever to any developer. We just want Broad Ripple to move forward and develop, not stay stagnant.

  2. And the failure on the part of Indiana GOP to allow an expansion of Medicaid had nothing to do with Indiana hospitals' financial woes?

  3. It would have been nice if they could have arranged for at least some of Zaxby's menu to be sold at the concession stands as part of the marketing campaign.

  4. Get the feeling Browning has some PR presence on the message board this morning. I don't know a single person in the neighborhood who supports this project.

  5. Grew up in Warfleigh, which is the neighborhood directly across College from the proposed development. I am against the proposed project for several reasons: 1) Traffic Flow -- College is already a mess, especially with the new lane guidance which makes the southbound left lane 'turn only' at Broad Ripple Ave. Not to mention the backups at 64th and College. If this is in fact a Whole Foods, I would expect a steady stream of cars pulling in and out, either off College or 64th Street which are both bad already. 2) Use of TIF funds. I though TIF funds were for under-developed areas, to help bolster property tax rolls for the city. I agree with Barth that this area will do just fine letting market forces dictate what is developed. 3) Specialty Grocer Overkill. There is already a Fresh Market a mile south and a Whole Foods 2 miles north. This store is not needed. Frankly I shocked that the Whole Foods site selection criteria supports a store right here 4) Hurts the Character of the Neighborhood. This type of development, along with the (hideous) parking garage down the street are out of character with the history and fabric of this area. Broad Ripple has succeeded because it was quirky and different. It would be a shame if the city gets involved and helps support ANOTHER project that aims to turn Broad Ripple into some kind of manufactured urban center.

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