Carmel residents are being asked to provide input on three design plans for the city’s newest district. The public can view and comment on the designs through Aug. 11.
Three nationally recognized urban design firms – Browning Day, Ratio Design, and Yard & Co. – are participating in the CNO District Design Competition at no cost to the city. The competition focuses on an 80-plus acre area east of U.S. 31, bounded by City Center Drive to the north, Congressional Drive to the east and south, and Pennsylvania Street to the west. The area includes the former CNO Financial Group campus.
The firms were tasked with creating concepts that feature exceptional “placemaking,” advanced sustainability, and innovative public infrastructure.
Finkam
Carmel Mayor Sue Finkam said in a statement that she is “especially excited that early input from the community will shape the offerings of what will become both another premier gateway to our city, as well as a distinct destination in its own right.”
Carmel Clay Parks & Recreation is helping to guide the design work, with a focus on dedicating significant space to public areas, connectivity, and community engagement. The new district could include features such as greenspace, water features, trails, office space, retail, and housing options, potentially rivaling the city’s Midtown Plaza district.
The city’s plan to redevelop the area comes after CNO Financial Group relocated its corporate headquarters in April 2024. Additionally, Carmel’s Meridian Corridor has seen a higher-than-average vacancy rate for traditional office space, while demand for walkable, residential areas continues to grow.
Residents can access the designs and make comments through a public portal or at display stations located at Carmel City Hall, the Carmel Clay Public Library, and the Monon Community Center. Details on how to access the designs are being promoted on the city’s website, social media, and in its community newsletter.
More information about the CNO District Design Competition is available at the city’s website.