Breaking Ground

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Downtown revitalization continues as Union Street Flats begins construction

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Westfield Mayor Andy Cook, from left, J.C. Hart President John Hart, Westfield Chamber of Commerce President Eric Lohe and Joe Plankis of the Westfield Economic Development Commission break ground on Union Street Flats. (Photo provided by Carrie Cason)

It may have been ceremonial, but with the simple task of turning of some dry dirt, city officials and businessmen helped Westfield take a considerable step forward in revitalizing the downtown area. It also signaled the first new construction to take place in that area in years.

On Aug. 3, Carmel-based multi-family residential developer J.C. Hart Co. broke ground on the construction of an upscale, urban apartment community in the heart of the redevelopment downtown area of Westfield known as Grand Junction.

“We saw the urban inspired Grand Junction project as an integral part of this growing and vibrant community and wanted to be a part of it,” said J.C. Hart President John Hart. “We are very pleased to be adding 237 families to the downtown area. This will help serve as stimulus to further drive economic development of the Westfield/Grand Junction project.”

The Union Street Flats community is an integral part as Westfield is well underway on a transformational re-development of its downtown. Capitalizing on the strong regional growth, the city has developed Grand Junction – a plan and strategy to create an extraordinary, family-friendly, mixed-use destination focused on significant open space and an unprecedented network of walking/biking trails.

Union St Rendering

Westfield Mayor Andy Cook said the city has already committed more than $8 million in public funds for the initial necessary infrastructure and expects to spend more than $50 million to transform the downtown area to be the destination point for Westfield and Hamilton County.

“We’re very excited to see J.C. Hart Company bring another sample of their unique product to the Westfield community,” he said.

The $24 million project is financed locally by First Merchants Bank and is supported, in part, by a $2.5 million Economic Development Tax Increment Revenue Bond backed by the city of Westfield.

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Juleen

Mark Juleen, vice president of marketing at J.C. Hart, said Union Street Flats at Grand Junction will consist of a total of 19 buildings that will contain 237 residential units on 18.5 acres. The one, two and three bedroom apartments will be leased from $700 to $1,200 per month with the first units available starting in summer 2013.

“This unique, in-fill location on Union Street, just north of 171st Street, sets the community amongst many historical homes and community landmarks,” he said. “Union Street Flats is designed as a neo-traditional neighborhood that incorporates the historical architecture along Union Street with a pedestrian friendly neighborhood that will be within short walking distance to the activity of downtown Westfield or the tranquility of the numerous nature trails.”

The property will have a clubhouse building that will serve as the leasing office, clubroom and exercise facility that will include an indoor multi-use basketball gymnasium. Juleen said all units will have nine-foot ceilings or taller with features like garden tubs, oversized windows, French doors to patios or balconies, and other modern amenities.

“Union Street Flats at Grand Junction will be one of the most unique and distinctive rental communities to be found anywhere,” said Juleen. “From the urban inspired design and varied architecture, to the active lifestyle the community will promote, Union Street Flats will be a highly desirable place to call home.”

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Cook

Union Street Flats will serve as a trail head for the Ana Kendall Trail and will offer pedestrians and bikers a place to relax and enjoy the environmentally preserved surroundings. The Ana Kendall Trail will be extended through the Union Street Flats property and will allow residents immediate access to one of the finest trail systems in the Midwest.

“Union Street Flats residents will be able to take a short walk or bike ride to enjoy the shopping, dining and entertainment options available downtown,” Juleen said.

Union Flatts will be the seventh J.C. Hart Co. development in Hamilton County. Other complexes include Ashley Place in Westfield, Pebble Brook Village in Noblesville, The District at Saxony in Fishers, and Legacy Towns & Flats, North Haven and One One Six in Carmel. The company also has plans to break ground on its eighth Hamilton County development – The Hamilton at 116th Street and Hoosier Road in Fishers.

Juleen said J.C. Hart chose Westfield because of the growth in Westfield and

“What we liked about Westfield was their push for growth as one of the northern suburbs,” he said, adding the company is pleased with the success of nearby Ashley Place and Pebble Brook Village developments.


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