Johnson County and Southern Indy News

Infrastructure Work Paving the Way for Middle School Redevelopment

The summer road construction season is now in high gear at several locations in Greenwood. In addition to making the city more navigable and attractive, the infrastructure work will pave the way for redevelopment of the former Greenwood Middle School into a mixed-use development, combining retail/office with residential space in the same buildings. The school redevelopment is the key part of a larger plan to transform the heart of the downtown for current and future generations, with a focus on connectivity and walkability.

Road work in the area includes the Smith Valley roundabout as well as improvements to Emerson Avenue, Madison Avenue and Surina Way. All are expected to be essentially completed by the end of the year, with some finishing touches planned for 2019.

Greenwood Capital Projects Manager Kevin Steinmetz explained that while the road work is the most visible, planning for several segments of the redevelopment project has been going on simultaneously.

The City has been preparing plans to demolish the Greenwood Middle School over the winter, except for a newer addition and the gym, which will be retained and repurposed.

On a parallel track, Steinmetz said, the City is working on plans to rehabilitate Old City Park while keeping many of its historic elements, with work slated to begin next year.

Finally, the City is studying how to structure its request for proposals, Steinmetz said. The City plans to offer pieces of land, rather than the entire 28-acre pie-shaped site bounded by Madison Avenue, Meridian Street, Main Street and Smith Valley Road.

To see details and maps of the project, click here. Business owners with questions about the project may contact Steinmetz at 317.887.5000.

“We wanted to complete the road work first to show developers and the public that the City is invested in the project,” explained Greenwood Mayor Mark W. Myers. “We expect to have a stellar project that will attract high-end developers.”

Myers added that he is “extremely excited” about the overall project, which he noted is on schedule and moving ahead. “We want to bring more people to the downtown area by connecting the school site to Main Street. Our goal is to attract more restaurants, cafes, boutiques and other retail businesses to make downtown a destination – a walkable, health-focused community.” Additional comments by the mayor about the project are contained in an earlier news release.

“Greenwood’s economy is vibrant and growing,” observed Chamber President and CEO Christian Maslowski. “Leading cities understand a large portfolio of housing and lifestyle options are needed to continue to attract new residents in the 21st century. Downtown Greenwood redevelopment plans will offer a new lifestyle option growing in demand, attract workforce talent, and grow a local base of consumers for Old Town businesses.”