By Sadie Hunter
Westfield often boasts the number of trails that run through the city, and as popularity and use of trails increase, development near them will follow.
Announced in August when it came before the city council, two major projects, proposed by EdgeRock Development, could play right into what the future of Westfield will look like.
The two projects would sit at the intersection of the Monon Trail and the Midland Trace Trail, on the east side of Oak Ridge Road and just south of Ind. 32— a family entertainment center, to open by the holiday season of 2016 on the west side of the Monon, and apartments, to open by 2017 or early 2018, west of the family entertainment center.
Project manager Birch Dalton and co-developer David Beauregard said it was important to begin looking at developing the 13.75 acres as trails continue to grow.
“The opportunity to develop on the two trails is unique and will be important to get it developed and established prior to extending the Monon over Ind. 32,” Dalton said.
Financially, they said the two projects would kick start the development and growth of the Ind. 32 corridor through Westfield.
“The two planned projects will help spur other development on the frontage of U.S. 31, along with the current building of the retail and gas station on Ind. 32. Also, with two planned hotels on the same side of Ind. 32, we see this as a great opportunity to develop from U.S. 31 to Oak Ridge (Road),” Dalton said. “First it will impact the assessed value for the community, which immediately helps all taxpayers, our great schools, and the city finances. The goal is to continue to set the bar high for all developments in terms of filling need, quality of structure, and unique destinations for others who come to Westfield to use.”
Dalton said the project as a whole will be a great opportunity to enjoy the city’s trails by biking, running, walking and strolling with the family to a unique entertainment location, but also is a chance to live in a dynamic location for both busy and restful lifestyles.
FAMILY ENTERTAINMENT CENTER
The proposed two-story, 60,000-square-foot family entertainment center, or FEC, could serve as a one-stop shop for resident and visiting families looking for fun, whether it’s in between tournament games at Grand Park (a five-minute drive away) or weekend fun.
“The first floor will contain a state of the art multi-level laser tag arena, a cybersports court, arcade with both sports simulators and games for all ages, a sports bar and grille with numerous television screens for viewing sporting events, bowling and an outdoor patio,” Beauregard said. “The outdoor patio will be adjacent to the Monon to provide walk up dining for the Monon users.”
Beauregard said the second floor of the facility would feature rentable meeting rooms, a craft beer bar with food service, a business incubator, and an e-game lounge.
Approximately half of the second floor would be devoted to an outdoor deck and mezzanine overlooking the Monon.
“We have had very high interest in the FEC from many local residents as there is no place to go right now for such fun and family time,” Dalton said.
“Regarding the impact on the community…There is absolutely no entertainment for these athletes (from Grand Park) and their families between games or in the evening,” Beauregard said. “We will provide that entertainment and food service venue.”
Beauregard said they understand the importance of good nutrition, too. Athletes will have menus designed especially for them, “something healthy beyond just hamburgers and hotdogs.”
“Although this will be a great venue for the residents of Westfield, we anticipate the demographic to reach out to Anderson, Kokomo and Zionsville as well as drawing activity from Carmel and Indianapolis,” Beauregard said.
LIVING SPACE
The second phase of building, apartments, hopes to shy away from traditional apartment complex designs common to the area and focus on a more urban design of one large building with several stories.
“The multi-level lifestyle building will cater to both single and young couples…It will have the amenities to support an active life style,” Dalton said.
A maximum of 300 units will be built. The all-in-one building would feature ground-level parking for singles, young couples and active empty nesters who would rent either studio, one-bedroom or small two-bedroom apartments.
Amenities could include a pool, dog park, fitness and business centers, grilling cabana, bicycle storage, and of course, trail access.
While it’s still early in the game, developers expect units to be high market rent per square foot. EdgeRock Development will invest an above-industry average of approximately $100,000 for each “living area.”
Dalton said at a Sept. 8 plan commission meeting, of the complexes in the city, occupancy holds strong at 95 percent.
“With the high occupancy of current projects, the new fast express way on U.S. 31, and city leaders wanting to create higher density for our downtown and Ind. 32 corridor, the unique project is a very good option for the property,” Dalton said.
