Mayor Chris Jensen delivers State of the City address from Ruoff Music Center

Submitted by City of Noblesville

Noblesville Mayor Chris Jensen delivered his fifth annual State of the City address on Tueday from the stage of one of the world’s top outdoor amphitheaters, Ruoff Music Center in Noblesville.

With 500 guests in attendance, Jensen reflected on the successes of the start of his second term and championed what is ahead for Noblesville, including major infrastructure projects, downtown preservation, and quality-of-life investments for the ninth-largest city in Indiana.

The event was hosted by the Noblesville Chamber of Commerce. Watch the full speech from Hamilton County TV at this link.

“Our administration will always invest in and prioritize public safety,” Jensen said. “I am committed to furthering strategic development and doing so with purpose as we continue to grow. I am proud of our investment in major infrastructure projects like the Reimagine Pleasant Street Project. Our team will continue to take bold steps forward to move Noblesville into the future while preserving and honoring the historical assets in our city. Serving as mayor of my hometown is a great honor, and I will stand firm in my commitment to making investments that will have a lasting positive impact for many years to come.”

Here are the highlights from Jensen’s address:

New police station

The Noblesville Police Department currently shares a building with the fire administration and Station 71. NPD has been operating in the same building since 1992, when the population was approximately 20,000. However, Noblesville’s population has reached 75,000, and the department has more than 100 dedicated officers.

The construction of a new police headquarters is a top priority in the city’s 10-year Capital Improvement Plan and has been endorsed by the Fraternal Order of Police (FOP). Following due diligence and analysis of possible sites, the former Firestone site along Division Street was selected as the best option for the new station and will address the growing needs of the Noblesville Police Department by providing sufficient space for staff and equipment.

Construction is expected to begin in the second half of 2025. Click here to view renderings.

Indiana Peony Festival HQ

The Indiana Peony Festival is taking a significant step forward with plans to establish a headquarters at Finch Creek Park on Noblesville’s east side. This development will enhance the festival’s presence and create a permanent home for one of the city’s most beloved annual celebrations. In 2024, the festival brought 50,000 visitors to Noblesville, a driving force behind the vibrancy and success of our downtown community. Click here to view renderings.

Morse Village

This $250 million development covers approximately 175 acres, featuring 30,000 square feet of commercial space and local restaurants at 206th Street and Hague Road. The community will be the entry to Morse Reservoir, offering 250 high-end single-family homes, 150 townhomes and condos, and 250 multi-family homes. The development will complement the existing amenities, including Morse Reservoir, golf courses, parks, trails, and green spaces. Noblesville continues its commitment to building trails and enhancing connectivity for residents and visitors through this development. Click here to view renderings.

Innovation Mile & Noblesville Event Center

Innovation Mile is a more than 600-acre public/private partnership by the City of Noblesville. It is located along Interstate 69 and is designed with a live, work, play, engage, and learn mindset. The Noblesville Event Center, which will be the future home of the Indiana Pacers G-League team, serves as the anchor of Innovation Mile.

The district will feature event and entertainment spaces, retail outlets, recreational areas, residential spaces, and commercial opportunities. Surrounded by amenities such as Hamilton Town Center, Ruoff Music Center, healthcare facilities, BorgWarner, and the Indiana Joint Replacement Institute, the district is envisioned to bring forth future job opportunities.

The Noblesville Event Center is scheduled to open in the Summer of 2025, and the city has proactively invested in infrastructure for the district to facilitate continued development of the area. Learn more at innovationmile.com.

Designated Outdoor Refreshment Area

The establishment of a DORA district in Noblesville’s historic downtown, approved by the Common Council in April and by the Indiana ATC in July, is already proving to be a boost to the downtown economy.

The city’s collaboration with local stakeholders, including the Noblesville Police Department, has ensured that the district is enjoyed safely and responsibly by the community, visitors, and business owners. In its first month, the DORA district is off to a great start in Noblesville’s downtown, allowing patrons to sip, shop, and stroll within a safe, designated area. The historic downtown square has seen increased foot traffic, tourism, and new revenue streams for local businesses – a promising sign of what’s coming. Learn more at noblesville.in.gov/dora.

The Granary

In August, the Noblesville Common Council approved a $67 million mixed-use development project, The Granary, along the new Pleasant Street Corridor. This project includes a $13.4 million investment from the city and has been one of Jensen’s priorities. It is part of broader efforts to enhance downtown Noblesville and ensure that the well-being of our residents is closely tied to economic and workforce growth.

The Granary will revitalize the former Noblesville Milling Co. granary site, which played a significant role in the city’s milling history and inspired the “Millers” moniker for Noblesville Schools. As the first significant development along the Pleasant Street Corridor, The Granary marks a key investment in the quality of life for current and future Noblesville residents. This project will offer a new housing option, neighborhood-oriented amenities, and pedestrian-friendly connections to our growing trail system while maintaining architecture that complements our historic downtown.

Pleasant Street Phase 1 Completion

The Pleasant Street Corridor is a key component of the Reimagine Pleasant Street Project. This is a long-term initiative aimed at improving east-west connectivity and accessibility in the city. The project has been under study and discussion for 40 years. It is expected to greatly improve how residents and visitors navigate through and experience the city. The road design is intended to benefit Noblesville residents, local businesses, and stakeholders by enhancing mobility and public safety, while preserving the area’s urban character and historic features.

This collaborative effort involves the city and Hamilton County, ensuring a shared vision for progress. An exciting aspect of the project is that it will connect three major trails – Nickel Plate, Midland Trace, and Riverwalk – providing a seamless connection between Noblesville, Hamilton County, and the greater Indianapolis area.

A community celebration, Party on Pleasant, marking the completion of Reimagine Pleasant Street Phase 1 will be held from 6 to 8:30 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 26. The corridor between River Road and 8th Street will be open to traffic ahead of schedule by the evening rush hour on Friday, Sept. 27.