Plan May Add Entertainment, Housing to I-69 Exit
Plan May Add Entertainment, Housing to I-69 Exit
June 6, 2001 - Topics
By: Jennifer Jennings
FISHERS – A northside strip mall that has stood nearly empty for several years will be getting some company when a mix of commercial, entertainment and housing development is built at Interstate 69 and Indiana 238.
Developers Republic Properties of Dublin, Ohio, presented plans to town council Monday for the proposed mixed-use development on a 394-acre tract north of Hamilton Southeastern High School.
Deer Creek Shops center stands almost like a ghost town on the north end of the property, at the southeast corner of the exit. Amish Furniture Mart has been the only store for four of the five years it’s been located in the Deer Creek Shops. The Fall Creek Township assessor recently opened an office in the shops. The rest of the storefronts are vacant.
The proposed development came as a surprise to John Symon, manager of the Amish Furniture Mart.
“This is news to us,” Symon said Tuesday. He hopes that his store can remain at the location.
He said that despite the empty appearance of the shopping area, business for the furniture store is “thriving quote well.”
Richard Arnos, president of Republic, said the existing shopping center is included in current plans, but changes may happen in the next five to 10 years.
“It could be the center is reconfigured or moved,” Arnos said.
The new Saxony development would recreate a traditional neighborhood development, featuring a mix of housing types, pedestrian-friendly design and businesses.
The development would have strict architectural standards, calling for traditional residential styles such as front porches and alleyways.
Developments with similar layouts include Village of West Clay in Carmel and Centennial in Westfield.
Wes Bucher, director of development for Fishers, told council members, “This is going to take some time. It’s a big project.”
The development would take about 15 years to complete.
The proposal will now go to the Plan Commission for a public hearing and further study.
