Rezoning in Maple Crossing – UPDATED

Character sketch of United Way Building courtesy of RATIO architects.

In partnership with Flaherty & Collins, Midtown Indianapolis Inc. is undertaking the rezoning of multiple properties in Maple Crossing to create conditions for higher-density redevelopment. Sites include the former United Way building, 3901 N. Meridian, the Concord Building on the northwest corner of 38th and Illinois streets, and properties across the street that North United Methodist Church owns. “In order to breathe life back into that area, we have to rezone first,” Midtown executive director Michael McKillip told attendees at the Butler-Tarkington Neighborhood Association meeting in March. “We will continue to reach out to any neighborhood association that has interest in or proximity to the area.” In addition to accommodating mixed-income multi-family housing units, McKillip said the development team is also looking to attract retailers, including a grocery tenant.

AUGUST UPDATE

Maple Crossing Rezoning Approved

Efforts to rejuvenate the commercial node at 38th and Illinois streets and redevelop the former United Way building at 3901 N. Meridian St. received a boost Aug. 10, when the Indianapolis Metropolitan Development Commission hearing examiner affirmed City Department of Metropolitan Development staff support for rezoning of multiple properties and sent a recommendation for full approval (pending a parking plan) to the full Commission. Properties owned by North United Methodist Church that are currently vacant and/or parking lots will be rezoned MU-2 to allow for a mix of commercial and residential uses. Developer Flaherty & Collins is working with the church to address the food desert problem in the area by seeking a grocer as anchor tenant for the ground-floor commercial space. Residential units are planned for the upper floors.

The intersection of 38th and Illinois is slated for rejuvenation. CLICK TO ENLARGE.

The rezoning request for that intersection also included the historic Concord Building that Midtown Indy hopes to redevelop, including a portion for its offices.

The former United Way  of Central Indiana building is slated for a 4,800-square-foot addition to the Meridian Street façade that will add retail and commercial uses. The entire building will be renovated and a sixth floor added for a total of 99 residential units. DMD staff cited proximity to the planned Red Line station at 38th and Meridian streets as rationale for supporting the variances. In advance of the hearing, Midtown Indy made presentations to 15 different neighborhood groups and held open houses at the Concord Building to seek support for the effort. This resulted in several letters of support from neighborhood organizations as well as supporting testimony by City-County Councillor Joe Simpson and no remonstrators. midtownindy.org

 

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