The Carmel Redevelopment Commission (CRC) has issued an official Request for Proposal to developers seeking to partner with the City in the redevelopment of 1.7 acres at the northeast corner of Main Street and Range Line Road. The City acquired part of the property, informally known as the “PNC property” in December.
The Request for Proposal is the first step in the process to redevelop the land into a mixed-use development that will bring more residents, more jobs and more opportunities for small businesses to the Arts & Design District. PNC Bank, which sold the land to the City, will remain on location during and after the redevelopment project.
“This is an exciting step forward for our business community and our local residents who have wanted a lively and vibrant area in the heart of our community,” said Mayor Jim Brainard. “This project in particular will benefit our local, small businesses to the east of Range Line Road, bringing with it more activity from sunrise to sunset with a mix of office workers and residents.”
Carmel plans to incorporate this property into the larger Arts & Design District. (Photo illustration provided)
The Arts & Design District – which extends several blocks in all four directions from this intersection – is already a thriving, mixed-use community of retail, restaurants, office and housing which brings together a variety of design-related businesses from art studios and galleries to restaurants and professional offices. In close proximity to the Monon Greenway, Carmel High School, Carmel Clay Public Library and the Midtown District, this redevelopment project promises the best views of Carmel’s urban core and walkable access to many amenities which contribute to Carmel’s recognition as one of America’s best places to live, work and play.
The CRC is seeking a for-profit developer to propose and construct a development which will enhance and anchor the main crossroads of the Arts & Design District. The CRC will collect and review proposals before selecting a developer, if any, that meets the objectives and terms of the RFP.
“We are looking to partner with the best developer who offers up the best proposal that is fitting for such a high-profile corner as Main Street and Range Line Road,” said CRC Executive Director Henry Mestetsky. “This particular parcel is already receiving some national attention, so we expect the competition for the winning proposal to be intense.”
The land is now being referred to as “Lot One” as a portion of the site incorporates lots 1 to 4 of the original town of Bethlehem, Ind. plat. Carmel was founded as Bethlehem in 1837 before officially changing its name to Carmel in 1874.
The CRC will host a pre-proposal meeting at 10:30 a.m. on Wednesday, March 27 at Carmel City Hall, with plans to open proposals on May 1.
Developers will be asked to include the following in their proposals:
(a) Construct a mixed-use development with architectural design characteristics commensurate with neighboring developments and the City’s vision for Main Street.
(b) Construct retail space within the mixed-use development, including a retail bank branch;
(c) Provide adequate underground on-site parking for the development and the public, of which, 25 percent of total parking may be reserved for the development.
(d) Include a setback on the southwest corner featuring the Carmel Rotary Clock.
(e) Provide storm water management for the parcels and coordinate storm water management to include surrounding areas and existing City infrastructure coming from properties to the north, west, east, and south.
The CRC will give preference to bidders that provide:
- For-sale residential uses
- Office uses
- Quality of the mixed-use development plan
- Underground public parking
- Enhanced Rotary Clock small public plaza
- PNC bank branch
- Complementary architecture
Previous public-private partnerships along Main Street include the Sophia Square building, Anthony’s Chop House, Evan Lurie Gallery building, the mix-use building at the southeast corner of Main and Range Line anchored by California Closets, the Monon where Bazbeaux and Muldoon’s are located, Townhome buildings near the 4th Street roundabout and a few blocks south of Main, the Indiana Design Center.