Carmel launches competition for total neighborhood revamp

CARMEL, Ind. (WISH) — Leaders in Carmel are calling for competition and public input in the long-awaited redesign of one of the city’s most promising tracts of land. The goal is to reshape the old CNO Financial campus and much of the property around it, east of U.S. 31 and north of 116th Street, it into a new “district” – with homes, shops, parks and more.

The new “CNO District Design Competition” pits three urban design firms against each other for the best reimagining of the land.

The city planners say Browning Day, Ratio Design, and Yard & Co. will present their visions for the area, and then the public will have the opportunity to review and comment on the designs in August. The city will then consider the comments as it selects the firm that will develop a master plan.

“We are thrilled to have these three talented firms join us in imagining the next great Carmel neighborhood,” Mayor Sue Finkam said in a comment provided by the city. “I’m 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.”

Mike Hollibaugh, Carmel’s director of community services, points to other recent revamps as models of succes.

“Reshaping this district gives Carmel the opportunity to replace vacant and underutilized buildings surrounded today by large parking lots with new, active districts that build upon the redevelopment success we have had in the City Center, Midtown and Old Meridian Districts,” Hollibaugh said in a release.

Planners say Carmel Clay Parks & Recreation will have a key role in the project, focusing on public spaces, connectivity, and engagement — with potential features that include greenspace, modern office space, public gathering areas, a walkable retail district, and a range of housing options.

The redevelopment comes as demand for walkable residential areas grows, while traditional office space demand declines.

The city says residents will be able to see and comment on the designs from Aug. 4-11, through a public portal or at places like the Carmel Clay Public Library, the Monon Community Center, and Carmel City Hall.

Once the public input is in, the plan calls for a team of city staff and elected officials will recommend a firm for the master plan.

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