Ed Martin Automotive Group is tearing a page from the Terry Lee Crossing development playbook – the Indianapolis-based group wants to rezone 40 acres of challenging terrain to create a mixed-use development anchored by a car dealership.
“This property is not the easiest to work with. Drainage is a huge challenge on the property and wetlands also have been identified,” said Ed Martin attorney Andi Metzel. “This is where they want to call home. They want to be in Noblesville otherwise they wouldn’t take the challenges with the property.”
The development would be anchored by a Toyota dealership on 10 acres facing Ind. 37. Metzel said plans call for a 50,000 square foot dealership, which is expected to employ more than 100 individuals.
Noblesville Planning Director Christy Langley said the area would be developed in four “use blocks” – 10 acres for Ed Martin Toyota dealership; 9.6 acres for planned business (retail or office); 12.9 acres for non-subsidized multi-family development; and 5 acres for mass transit (dependent upon regulations set by the state and a referendum).
“When mass transit comes, we have to be prepared. This is a visionary step to be prepared,” Mayor John Ditslear said.
The vacant property is at the northwest corner of Ind. 37 and 141st Street. While being located in Delaware Township, Langley said the site is an oddity as it not in Noblesville or Fishers jurisdiction.
“It has Fishers sewers and Hamilton Southeastern Schools but the property to the north is Noblesville water and sewers,” she said.
As part of the agreement, the developer plans to voluntarily annex into the City of Noblesville. It also plans to provide land so the city can extend Herriman Boulevard south through the property and connect it with Britton Park Road in Fishers at 141st Street.
If the project is approved and built, Ed Martin Toyota would join Hare Chevrolet, Kahlo Chrysler Jeep Dodge Ramand Terry Lee Hyundai as Noblesville dealerships adjacent to Ind. 37.
“Success begets success. People want to do business with successful people and communities,” Ditslear said.
Metzel did not provide a cost estimate as plans and agreements are being worked out.
The project was introduced at the March 25 Noblesville Common Council meeting. It will be up for approval later this month.
