Riverview Health eyeing Noblesville expansion

Riverview Health is looking for community input for the future of its Noblesville campus as it considers expansion plans.

The Hamilton County-owned organization owns about 15 acres of land along State Road 38/32 on the west side of the White River in Noblesville where its 156-bed hospital sits, along with an overflow parking lot that’s used for the city’s weekly farmer’s market.

Riverview announced Tuesday that it’s working on a long-term plan for its Noblesville location and is collaborating with several architectural design firms to determine the best use for its property.

An online survey has been set up for residents to provide feedback on what should happen at the campus during the next five to 10 years.

According to a memo on Riverview Health’s website from President and CEO Pat Fox, the hospital's priorities include providing additional outpatient space, improving parking and creating clear entrances for patients at the main building.

Riverview spokeswoman Olivia Huser said the hospital hasn’t made any decisions yet on what could happen at the campus.

“We don’t have any preconceived notions for what it might look like,” Huser said.

The 17-question survey asks about parking needs and concerns, safety, desired amenities near the hospital and how visitors access the property. The survey can be accessed at www.riverview.org/publicsurvey.

County and city leaders have been waiting for an announcement from the hospital on the future of the property as many see the overflow parking lot as a prime spot for development. Noblesville officials have been hopeful that any project in that area could fit well with other projects being developed including the Federal Hill Commons park and the BlueSky Technology Partners headquarters.

Noblesville Mayor John Ditslear said he'd like to see the hospital expand its services and parking options on the east side of its property and open the west side of the land, where the farmer's market is held now, for private development. Ditslear mentioned the possibility of retail, office space or residential component. 

"Of course, it's up to them," Ditslear said. "I'm really glad to see them reaching out to get some input."