The Carmel Redevelopment Commission (CRC) has announced plans to partner with Old Town Companies on a $3 million project to redevelop a parcel along north Range Line Road into the future home of Miller Auto Care and acquire the land where Miller currently operates. The long-anticipated move by Miller is the result of the city’s long-range plan to bring new redevelopment and private investment into the Midtown area – a multi-story, mixed use project that will generate more commercial tax revenue for the City of Carmel for generations to come.
Miller Auto Care plans to move its business to 969 N. Range Line Road where it can remain in the central corridor of the city, close to its longtime customers. This will also provide better access in the future to Keystone Parkway through the ramp connection project planned by Hamilton County just north of this parcel.
Brainard
“The improvements we continue to make along Range Line Road between 136th Street and Clay Terrace have allowed us to create a beautiful new location for this business that has been family owned and operated in Carmel for more than 50 years,” said Mayor Jim Brainard. “This will allow Miller Auto Care to improve their services to customer with a new and possibly expanded service center.”
Previously, Miller allowed the city to build Elm Street and the roundabout at Range Line Road and Elm/4th Street SE on its property. Construction of Elm Street was a vital part of the Monon Expansion project and for Midtown projects such as the future Merchants Bank headquarters and the Railyard at Midtown Apartment complex, both of which are under construction.
In partnership with Old Town, the city’s next phase will be the redevelopment of the property where Miller Auto Care currently sits. Based on financial estimates by the Carmel Redevelopment Commission, the annual property tax revenue from this Midtown parcel is expected to increase from $8,737 (in 2018) to about $120,000 annually once a new mixed-use project is completed.
The future home of Miller Auto Care will be at 969 N. Range Line Road. (Artistic rendering provided)
“In the big picture, this move will help us finalize the last piece of the puzzle for this part of our Midtown transformation,” said CRC Director Henry Mestetsky.
Keith Stockberger, owner of Miller Auto Care, said he was happy to be part of a project that will allow him to serve his customers for many years to come.
“We are excited to be a part of the new improvements,” said Stockberger. “Our relocation to 969 N. Range Line Road with the future connection to Keystone Parkway at the new location will make it easier for our clients to access our service center.”