Carmel Mayor Sue Finkam & Lauth Group, Inc. dedicate & open 1st ON MAIN

Development features new Seward Johnson sculpture

On Wednesday, Carmel Mayor Sue Finkam joined Lauth Group, Inc. for the dedication and grand opening of 1st ON MAIN.

The new mixed-use development is located on the first historic lots, one to four, of the original town of Bethlehem, located at the northeast corner of Main Street and Range Line Road. Featured at this project is a new Seward Johnson sculpture, adding to the city’s extensive collection of works by the renowned artist.

“Seward Johnson’s work will leave a lasting cultural legacy for future generations in Carmel,” Mayor Finkam said. “The addition of this sculpture to the new 1st ON MAIN development will enhance this location for years to come.”

Photo provided by City of Carmel

The 1st ON MAIN development is a $45 million project featuring 35 apartments, eight two-story for-sale condominiums, a 310-space public parking garage and a four-story, 73,000 square-foot office building with first-floor restaurant space and a private rooftop terrace. The development also includes a community gathering plaza showcasing the city’s Rotary Clock.

“The development of 1st ON MAIN represents a significant investment in the future of Carmel,” said Michael Garvey, Chief Investment Officer and Partner with Lauth Group, Inc. “We are proud to bring this vibrant, mixed-use space to the heart of the city, providing new residential, commercial and cultural opportunities.”

The goal of the project is to redevelop the corner of Main Street and Range Line Road with a mixed-use development that would enhance and anchor the main crossroads of the Arts & Design District. Working closely with the Carmel Redevelopment Commission (CRC), Architects Forum and Studio M Architects, the project’s design received approval from the Architectural Review Committee in October 2021. The project was officially named 1st ON MAIN with a nod to its location on Carmel’s first plotted lot and its prominent location along Main Street.

The CRC contributed the land for the 1st ON MAIN development. Future commercial taxes from the project (TIF) will be used to help finance the free public parking garage and assist with the relocation of utilities, making this site developable.

Photo provided by City of Carmel

At the heart of the plaza is the latest work from Seward Johnson. The sculpture, titled “Captured,” features a woman reading on a bench. Carmel boasts the largest collection of Seward Johnson works outside of his original studio. Johnson, an American artist, is known for his trompe-l’oeil painted bronze statues, which are life-size castings of living people depicting them engaged in day-to-day activities.

The now open 1st ON MAIN development features a variety of businesses, including Tré on Main, Compass Realty, First Databank, McCarter & English and Assured Partners, with additional establishments set to open soon. The residential portion of the project features eight condominium units built in partnership with Wedgewood and 35 one- and two-bedroom apartments for rent.