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Converted from paper version of the Broad Ripple Gazette (v03n26)
New neighborhood development coming to area - Hinterberger's retail complex plans to bring corner shops back to neighborhood residents - By Ashley Plummer and Alan Hague
posted: Dec. 29, 2006

Possible retail and residential development plans are in the works for the block between 49th and 50th streets on the west side of College Avenue.

Leif Hinterberger
Leif Hinterberger
Quan


Leif Hinterberger of Carreau Design Corp. (who has been working with Keep Indianapolis Beautiful on the south block of 49th Street) plans to build a neighborhood friendly retail complex that would include 15-17 shopping, eating and office spaces, and five condominiums on the north end of the structure.

A current illustration of what the elevation of the proposed structure will be, viewed from all directions.
A current illustration of what the elevation of the proposed structure will be, viewed from all directions.
image courtesy of Leif Hinterberger


"It's vital to have sustainable neighborhoods," Hinterberger said in a recent interview regarding the building and the surrounding Meridian-Kessler neighborhood.
"The retail component of Meridian-Kessler has fallen apart because of suburban sprawl, and if you look at the economic development of our neighborhoods, you can see the residential property taxes are being milked because there's no more retail," he said. "There is no balance in this neighborhood."
Hinterberger pointed out that due to this lack of retail in the immediate area, residents are driving to Carmel for their services.
Hinterberger's project will cover a projected area of 280,600 square feet, which includes enough space for 47 parking spots behind the structure. According to his lawyer, Mike Quinn, the project cannot move forward until the City of Indianapolis grants the space a new zoning ordinance.
The block is currently divided into two separate zoning ordinances-C3 and D5, neither of which are suitable for both retail and residential. Quinn and Hinterberger will take their plans to a city zoning meeting in December and request a CS zoned area.
Quinn highlighted that a CS (which stands for commercial special) zoning ordinance is basically a "do it yourself" area. The builders and planners will be responsible for what is built within city guidelines.
Hinterberger proposed his plan to Meridian-Kessler residents at a recent neighborhood association meeting, where their main concerns were parking, traffic overflow, sewage overflow, lighting and the types of shops that would move into the building once finished.

Site plans for 49th and College Avenue. Hinterberger states that plans will continue to change and improve. These drawings show the size and general layout, but the details of the exterior and interior will continue to mature.
Site plans for 49th and College Avenue. Hinterberger states that plans will continue to change and improve. These drawings show the size and general layout, but the details of the exterior and interior will continue to mature.
image courtesy of Leif Hinterberger


Quinn stated that the main reason there were no definite tenants for the building yet was because of current zoning issues.
"We do not have a proposed layout for all the shopping areas because we don't have any tenants yet," he said. "We feel that it is unfair to talk directly to tenants until we have the zoning under control."
However, the men did promise that the shops would probably consist of retail shops, boutiques, small restaurants and the possible neighborhood bar.
"We don't want any large businesses. . . or things like adult bookstores," Quinn said. "These are shops for the neighborhood."
Some residents also stressed that they do not want anything like a tattoo parlor on the street, or any sort of business that would produce a substantially larger traffic flow in the area.
Hinterberger assured residents that the builders were taking all precautions thrown their way, including doing an in-depth environmental survey on the land and surrounding area.
"We are all about restoration and historic preservation," he said, "but the buildings on this corner have no chance of making it."
Beyond residential concerns, Hinterberger stressed the need for Indianapolis as a whole to revitalize the "key corners" in one of the best neighborhoods in the city.
"In this neighborhood (Meridian Kessler) we have both affordable and high-end housing, but we don't have enough retail," he said. "As you look at each key corner, you've got to give back-creating a sustainable balance.
"To some people change is hard. Change is also good-it's got to happen in order to create opportunities for the younger generations, in order to create sustainable neighborhoods. There are so many reasons why change has got to happen."

New neighborhood development coming to area - Hinterberger's retail complex plans to bring corner shops back to neighborhood residents - By Ashley Plummer and Alan Hague
Quan


MKNA zoning meeting
MKNA zoning meeting
Quan


New neighborhood development coming to area - Hinterberger's retail complex plans to bring corner shops back to neighborhood residents - By Ashley Plummer and Alan Hague
Quan


New neighborhood development coming to area - Hinterberger's retail complex plans to bring corner shops back to neighborhood residents - By Ashley Plummer and Alan Hague
Quan


New neighborhood development coming to area - Hinterberger's retail complex plans to bring corner shops back to neighborhood residents - By Ashley Plummer and Alan Hague
Quan


New neighborhood development coming to area - Hinterberger's retail complex plans to bring corner shops back to neighborhood residents - By Ashley Plummer and Alan Hague
Quan


New neighborhood development coming to area - Hinterberger's retail complex plans to bring corner shops back to neighborhood residents - By Ashley Plummer and Alan Hague
Quan


New neighborhood development coming to area - Hinterberger's retail complex plans to bring corner shops back to neighborhood residents - By Ashley Plummer and Alan Hague
Quan


New neighborhood development coming to area - Hinterberger's retail complex plans to bring corner shops back to neighborhood residents - By Ashley Plummer and Alan Hague
Quan


New neighborhood development coming to area - Hinterberger's retail complex plans to bring corner shops back to neighborhood residents - By Ashley Plummer and Alan Hague
Quan




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