Submitted
The following statement was submitted by Carmel Mayor Jim Brainard on the passing of Les Olds.
I am deeply saddened to receive the news today that one of the City of Carmel’s redevelopment pioneers has passed away. Les Olds, who worked with our administration, died after a tragic accident Saturday night.
Les served as the executive director of the Carmel Redevelopment Commission when we were putting together the vision of what our City Center, including the Palladium and Center for the Performing Arts would look like. Les was instrumental in helping us turn the old town area into the walkable and beautiful area it is today.
Les Olds
His guidance was instrumental in helping our administration and the City Council have the confidence that we were on the right track when it came to the redevelopment of the heart of the city when few suburban communities were taking such bold steps to redefine what the city would become.
Les had years of experience as an architect and structuring public-private partnerships that enhance communities, both in Carmel and Indianapolis. We were fortunate to have him on our team to help us build the City we love today. Carmel is better off because of Les’s singular focus on thoughtful planning and beautiful architecture in our redevelopment districts.
Les strongly believed that architecture, particularly public architecture, should be beautiful, inspire people and create pride in our city.
Recently, Les had been serving as a consultant to Henry Mestetsky, the current executive director of the Redevelopment Commission.
Here is a statement from Mestetsky:
“Les has been the heart of the city’s redevelopment from the very beginning – as the city’s architect when he was in private practice more than 20 years ago, as the head of the redevelopment commission after his retirement and as a consultant and mentor to me and my staff until the end. I was lucky to spend time with Les just last week, when we opened our new office. Les’s bright and caring demeanor never changed. He will be truly missed by everyone.”