Biz park plan west of Plainfield counting on cheaper land
Plans are in place for a 400-acre mixed-use development off Interstate 70 just west of Plainfield–an area quickly becoming the next big thing in industrial real estate.
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INVESTING: Election outcome a big setback for nation on upswing
A recent election ended in disaster. Voters revived a party that has no business coming back into power. I only hope the electorate wakes up soon and gets the situation back on track. No, I am not talking about the congressional elections in the United States. I’m talking about the presidential election in Nicaragua, where Daniel Ortega, leader of the Sandinista Party, was re-elected president after a 15-year hiatus. Real estate values plunged 10 percent instantly, and large corporations began…
Critics question trustee’s property portfolio given mission to help needy
Center Township has real estate holdings worth more than $10 million, according to IBJ research. The township’s robust real estate portfolio—highly unusual for an Indiana township—fits Trustee Carl L. Drummer's vision for his taxpayer-supported office. But it makes others see red.
Bypass too tentative to affect land values, experts say: Property near toll-road exits may be coveted eventually, but uncertain route should keep speculators at bay for now
When Gov. Mitch Daniels unveiled his ambitious but vague plan for an outer loop around more than half of Indianapolis, some landowners in the potential path panicked while others dreamt of a windfall. But local experts say, until a route is more defined, neither worry nor anticipation is warranted. “There are so many outstanding issues,” said Abbe Hohmann, a land-price expert for the local office of St. Louisbased Colliers Turley Martin Tucker. Hohmann said two types of buyers usually drive…
RETURN ON TECHNOLOGY: Big screen? Two screens? Productivity debate goes on
Apple computer recently announced the results of a study by Paris-based Andreas Pfeiffer, which said buying one of Apple’s $1,999, 30-inch displays would increase productivity of one lucky employee 50 percent to 65 percent, enough to earn back the cost of the monitor before it dies or is supplanted by one with more pizazz a few years from now. Pfeiffer argues that it takes a lot of time to switch between windows on a smaller monitor, time that isn’t taken…
Smaller sales keep office real estate market humming: A $38 million deal for 3-building complex in Carmel stands out in 2006, but it wouldn’t have last year
A flurry of blockbuster office-building sales in central Indiana last year has led to fewer mega-deals in 2006. A $38 million sale of a Carmel office complex on Nov. 1, for example, was among the top five such transactions so far this year, but it paled in comparison to the nine-figure deals that won headlines in 2005. That’s to be expected, real estate observers say, since so much office inventory changed hands recently. And given the new persquare-foot highs set…
New golf superstore part of retail shakeup: Golfsmith goes head-to-head with Golf Galaxy
One of the nation’s largest specialty golf retailers, Golfsmith, is preparing to take a swing at the reigning champion of golf stores in central Indiana. The Austin, Texas-based chain is planning a 28,000-square-foot superstore in space now occupied by Marshalls in Castleton, less than a sand wedge from fellow category killer Golf Galaxy. The move is part of a major shakeup in a part of Indianapolis that’s long been a headquarters for golf shopping. The arrival of another national heavyweight…
Speedway’s windfall leads to speculation: Questions arise about possible new hotel, turn-two suite upgrades and acquisition of adjacent land
The Indianapolis Motor Speedway’s announcement this month that it would sell its stake in Chicagoland Speedway for $69 million has racing industry experts wondering if the famed Brickyard is planning an expansion. “There are a number of things [IMS President] Tony George could use that money for,” said Dennis McAlpine, a New York-based financial analyst covering motorsports and entertainment. “That’s not to say he’s hurting for cash, but I believe he has projects on his plate.” IMS and Daytona Beach,…
Glendale might become open-air center, gain a Target
Kite Realty Group is in final negotiations to bring Target to Glendale Mall as part of a wholesale redevelopment that could transform one of the city’s first enclosed malls into an open-air shopping center.
Obstacles couldn’t stop community-minded Shaheen
Yvonne Shaheen, retired CEO of Long Electric Co., is the winner of the 2006 Michael A. Carroll award, given annually in memory of the former deputy mayor to a person who embodies determination, devotion, humility and community.
Green roofs slow to take root in Indianapolis area: Despite an array of environmental and other benefits, initial costs and lack of incentives put lid on their use
Green roofs color the skylines in Chicago, Philadelphia, Toronto and other North American cities, but Hoosiers have to look high and low to find similar examples of the plant-filled building tops in Indianapolis. “Most green roofs [in other cities] are on the tops of existing buildings, where here they are [more likely to be found] above an underground parking garage that you might not even be aware is there,” said Mark Zelonis, director of the gardens and grounds at the…
Some say Wheeler Mission hurts neighborhood’s potential
A fall merger of two Indianapolis homeless shelters set off a new round of speculation about whether Wheeler Mission Ministries Inc. will continue to operate out of its 245 N. Delaware St. location–a stone’s throw from multimillion-dollar redevelopment under way on Massachusetts Avenue.
Century-old landmark building gets new life as condos: Former Ashantii Ballroom renovated into 11 units
He lived in the south Broad Ripple house 11 years, rented it out for another 11, then sold it for three times what he paid for it. Today, McMichael, 43, owns a dozen rental properties around Indianapolis, plus the well-known Rathskeller Restaurant downtown. And recently he’s turned his real estate eye to 16th and Alabama streets where he’s converting the former Ashantii Ballroom into luxury condominiums. “I learned years ago with that first house the power of real estate,” Michael…
Massive hotel project could advance without city help: Redevelopment would be on a smaller scale
Land near Victory Field could get hundreds of additional hotel rooms even if the developers that control the site don’t receive city incentives they’re seeking for a huge convention hotel project. Merrillville-based White Lodging Services Corp. and Indianapolis-based REI Real Estate Services are asking the city to invest $45 million to $55 million toward a $250 million campus of hotels on land that’s now home to a 235-room Courtyard by Marriott and a TGI Friday’s. If they don’t win the…
Ponds poo-pooed by more developers: Land prices create need for alternative storm systems
For years, the model for most local drainage systems-especially in large development sites not directly downtown-has been underground pipes running into a large detention pond. The ponds have dotted the landscape, becoming a perk for office dwellers and homeowners wanting a “lake” view, but raising the concern of many safety officials over the increased risk of drownings. But as new federal rules come into effect requiring not just flood prevention but also filtration of contaminants, more developers may be moving…
Minority-owned contractor Mezzetta Construction downsizes dramatically
Mezzetta Construction Inc., one of the city’s largest minority-owned businesses and a contractor on the Lucas Oil Stadium project, is downsizing its staff and auctioning off its office and construction equipment while struggling with financial difficulties.
Developer has big plans for long-vacant drive-in: N.Y. firm has 93-acre Lawrence site under contract
A 93-acre former drive-in south of the former Fort Benjamin Harrison has sat vacant since the theater closed in 1993. But now a Rochester, N.Y., developer has agreed to buy the property and envisions building retail space plus either a light-industrial business park or a medical campus. If it comes to pass, the large development could kick-start Lawrence’s efforts to revitalize struggling portions of Pendleton Pike. Norry Management Corp. has had the land under contract since spring and is preparing…
$1.7M invested in failed firm not authorized, sources say
Trade groups that host the Indianapolis Auto Show and represent 600 car dealers in the Legislature stand to lose $1.7 million they loaned to a local debt-collection agency–loans that sources said were made without the knowledge of the groups’ boards or membership.
Malls’ redevelopment attracts familiar names: Borders, AMC Theatres among first tenants identified
A mix of familiar stores and upscale retailers will be moving into the nowvacant L.S. Ayres space at Greenwood Park and Castleton Square malls, which owner Simon Property Group Inc. is turning into small-scale lifestyle centers. The open-air developments, which will be similar in design to Carmel’s Clay Terrace, have attracted a host of major retailers, including Barnes & Noble, Borders and AMC Theatres. Smaller specialty shops and sit-down restaurants also are planned. Barnes & Noble will be going in…
Kite, Mansur, White pitch airport hotel
Three developers are vying for the chance to build a four-story, 250- to 300-room hotel connected to the new $974 million midfield terminal and garage at the Indianapolis International Airport.