For sale: Former Shapiro’s building in Carmel

The Range Line Road building that housed Shapiro’s Delicatessen for more than a decade is for sale following the restaurant’s June closure.

The Carmel Redevelopment Commission issued a request for proposals from potential buyers this month. The minimum asking price: $2.1 million.

Shapiro’s built the 11,500-square-foot eatery at 918 S. Range Line Road in 2001, kicking off the Carmel City Center redevelopment project. But nearby development was slow to materialize, and the deli struggled to make ends meet.

The CRC bought Shapiro’s $2.5 million mortgage three years ago, and but financial woes forced the company to close the Carmel restaurant June 16. President Brian Shapiro handed over the keys and remaining ownership in the building about a week later.

Shapiro’s flagship deli in downtown Indianapolis remains open.

CRC President Bill Hammer said other restaurant operators have expressed interest in the property, which includes the brick building, limited land and surface parking rights.

Bids are due to the commission by Sept. 18. In addition to making an offer, would-be buyers must identify how they intend to use the building. It is zoned for office, retail and/or commercial use.

The minimum price is based on the average of two appraisals.