Lawrence Village at the Fort

Lawrence Village at the Fort Artwork Installed

2011-05-17T10:00:00.000-07:00

The Fort Harrison Reuse Authority worked with the Herron School of Art on two art sculptures that are now installed at Lawrence Village at the Fort. In early 2010, a committee comprised of civic leaders who by their own rights are artists in their respective fields, reviewed proposals provided by several Herron students vying for a shot at being selected for an installation at Ravine Park at Lawrence Village at the Fort. All concepts were well-received; in fact, the committee had a hard time choosing which one.

In the end, artist Jared Cru Smith's concept entitled "Advance Epoch" was selected for its relevance to the physical area and its meaning for the Village. "Advance Epoch's" three forms of concrete, resin, stell and urethane represent the past, present and future strength of Fort Benjamin Harrison and the community who has continued to make Fort Benjamin Harrison what it is today. You can see this sculpture at the intersection between Merritt and Hawkins Roads.

Going in, the committee's job was to select one artist's design for Ravine Park. However, there was another concept we simply couldn't pass up because of its insightfulness and meaning. With her installation titled "Threshold", artist Cydney Campbell designed three doors made of wood, steel, glass, bronze, and aluminum. She writes: "Fort Benjamin Harrison once functioned as the point of induction or release from the military. While these are enormously life-changing actions that most individuals do not face, there are still everday battles each person must surpass that make them who they are. "Threshold" represents the point at which people decide for themselves what path they will take." You can see "Threshold" in key locations surrounding the pond on Otis Avenue near Lee Road.

FHRA Launches Revamped Website!

2011-04-18T06:30:00.000-07:00

Over the past four months, we have been working to revise our website to be cleaner, more informative, and easier to navigate. And wow, I'll say we've accomplished our mission! Thanks to Tatum Hindman and her team at TBH Creative, we now have a website that clearly distinguishes between the Reuse Authority and Lawrence Village at the Fort. Why did we need to do that? The two entities have different messages. For example . . . The Fort Harrison Reuse Authority is the organization that was originally put into place to redevelop -- by reusing -- existing buildings and land left behind by Fort Benjamin Harrison Army Base. We've got 15 years of history in doing this; however, we needed a site that would share information about the Fort since its inception in 1903. We needed a place to store our approved board minutes. We needed a place for people to easily retrieve architectural review information. And, we needed an area to where we can refer the numerous callers who want to know the phone number for the PX & Commissary, for example. Lawrence Village at the Fort required different information for the sole purpose of getting the remaining 50 acres sold and developed. You'll find market analysis, land descriptions & prices, incentive information, and a bunch of other useful stuff including downloadable versions of the Village PUD and Master Plan. When you go to www.fhra.org you'll go directly to the Reuse Authority's site. In the upper right hand corner, you'll be able to click on Lawrence Village at the Fort and go there. Note the Village Talk button. That's where you'll see blog postings, which means I'm going to have to do a better job at keeping this information current. Or, you might get bored and not come back. And, we don't want that.

Consumer Electronics Free E-Cycling Event

2011-01-20T07:49:00.000-08:00

Date: January 22, 2011
Hours: 9:30 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
Location: Waste Management
10000 East 56th St.
Lawrence 46236

Residents can drop off and recycle up to 5 items per car.

Download the PDF flyer for the event

ACCEPTABLE ITEMS FOR ECYCLING ARE:
Computers – CPUs,computer monitors, computer peripherals, cable or satellite boxes,printers, gaming systems, fax machines, keyboards, photocopiers,televisions, VCRs or DVD players, consumer electronics

WE DO NOT ACCEPT:
Microwaves, smoke detectors, householdappliances like refrigerators, washing machines, air conditioners,cell or home phones.

FOR HOUSEHOLDS ONLY
Waste Management reserves the right to refuse items not listed,household hazardous waste, items which pose a health or safetyrisk or items prohibited by law. Unacceptable items will be left invehicles.

317-826-5800

The event is part of the LG Electronics Recycling Program

http://www.wm.com/

From everyday collection to environmental protection, Think Green.® Think Waste Management.

Tombstone War Memorial Visits Lawrence Village at the Fort

2010-11-09T13:07:00.001-08:00

The Knights of Columbus will be installing a memorial of approximately 176 tombstones for fallen soldiers in honor of Veterans Day on Thursday, November 11. The memorial, which will be located at Civic Plaza at Lawrence Village at the Fort, will remain until Sunday, November 13. Civic Plaza is located at the intersection of Wheeler Road and Otis Avenue at the heart of the Village.

Rezoning for Micro-Brewery Approved at Lawrence Village at the Fort

2010-11-03T06:43:00.000-07:00

The City of Lawrence Common Council approved a petition by the Fort Harrison Reuse Authority for a modification to the PUD for Triton Brewing Company on Monday, November 1, 2010. The PUD prohibited a manufacturing use at the site, but it was determined that the addition of a microbrewery within the Village would be a public benefit and economic enhancement to the community.

Triton Brewing Company will produce and distribute five signature beers -- Four Barrel Brown, Deadeye Stout, Rail Splitter IPA, Fieldhouse Wheat, and Magnificent Amber. From their tasting room also located at this location, they will sell their own root beer product making this a family-friendly store. Partner Mike DeWeese, David Waldman, and Jon Lang have started this company based on strong demand in the state for microbrewed beer products.

Fort Benjamin Harrison: Around the Village . . .

2010-10-11T10:53:00.001-07:00

It is an absolutely gorgeous fall day with a temperature high of 88 degrees ... the kind of day you want to play hooky and hang out at a park or on a lake. As I was driving through Lawrence Village at the Fort today, I noticed several people who had chosen to do just that ... only here at Fort Benjamin Harrison.

Going west on Otis, I saw a father and his son who was riding a tricycle around the quarter mile asphalt path that encircles the pond. When I looked over, the child was just getting off his trike to point at the swimming geese. In the next two days, Gibraltar Construction will begin building the new overlook deck structure at the pond, which will provide yet another place for walkers, runners, and tricyclers to rest and relax.

At least 3 walkers and 1 runner were enjoying the sidewalks and bike lanes, and two cars were parked beneath shade trees in the [new] parallel parking lanes. The owners of these cars were taking a moment to eat lunch and read.

Turning the corner, I saw The Pumpkin Patch in full swing at the center of the Village. The farmer who is selling the pumpkins, gourds, squash, corn stalks and straw bales here told me last week that this is such an ideal location that he plans to relocate his farmer's market here next year.

I drove west on Hawkins toward the Ravine Park and saw Ski Landscape digging up the grasses which are located in the center between Hawkins and Merritt Streets. These grasses will be transplanted near the pond to make way for the new art installation by the Herron School of Art later this month. Herron's contractor will begin pouring the foundations this week.

With all of the dry weather we've had, Poindexter Excavating is making good time on the Hawkins Road Extension project having finished all underground sewers and water lines and now beginning to grade the new road and stake out the curbs. They hope to have curbs poured and the first layer of asphalt installed by the end of October. This project is expected to finish in April 2011.

Just north of this road I saw Ivy Tech students parking their cars and walking to class, again on the new sidewalks we created earlier this year. The walk isn't a long one and the parking is convenient. Wouldn't it be cool to have a sidewalk cafe or outdoor pub along the way?

For me, it is awesome to watch all of this activity in an area that's not really that big. It shows that the community is appreciative of the work that's been done to date, is already here and waiting for more!

Triton Brewing Company Comes to Lawrence Village at the Fort

2010-09-24T11:11:00.001-07:00

Triton Brewing Company plans to locate their production facility and tasting room in the heart of Lawrence Village at the Fort. Located at 5764 Wheeler Road, Triton Brewing Company is a start-up production brewery aiming to produce high quality craft beer for distribution in Indiana. In addition to the production facility, Triton will feature a small retail space and 40 seat smoke free family friendly tasting room and a beer garden. Plans are underway now to begin construction.

...Yet another reason why everyone should consider Lawrence Village at the Fort at Historic Fort Benjamin Harrison a great destination!

Triton Brewing

2010-09-24T11:11:00.000-07:00

The Pumpkin Patch Comes to Lawrence Village at the Fort at Fort Harrison

2010-09-22T05:35:00.000-07:00

Tell your friends and neighbors! On Friday, October 1 Lawrence Village at the Fort will have yet another close-by amenity ... a pumpkin patch! The patch will be located at Civic Plaza beneath the shade tree at the intersection of Wheeler Road and Otis Avenue. Just come into the Village off of 56th Street, and you'll see it. The Pumpkin Patch will offer pumpkins of all sizes, mums, cornstalks, gourds, and different sizes of straw bales. The patch will be open on Friday and Saturday with a self serve option on Tuesday through Thursday. Free parallel parking is available surrounding the plaza.

Project Update and Stuff

2010-01-14T05:18:00.000-08:00

We reopened the roads throughout the Village development just days before Christmas and right before the first snow fall. Unfortunately, the asphalt plants closed before we could get that final surface coat on so the construction crew tried to blend the road surface with the manholes as much as possible. Unfortunately, that didn't prevent snow plows from knocking them open the first time they passed through . . . hence, the current orange pylons over manholes. Still, the roads are passable and provide traffic relief to busy 56th and 59th streets.

IPL and AT&T are trenching and working to get utilities buried. We expect to see the first light poles go up in the next month or so once pull boxes are installed. Light poles will really change the face of the development (just like the completion of the monuments -- people will start to take note yet again.) Once spring hits and trees start to leaf up again, I'm sure residents and visitors will get a flavor for what we've done to ready the property for vertical development.

If you've passed by the Ravine area off of Post Road, you've seen the construction of a boardwalk that's taken a long time to complete. Rest assured, this boardwalk is here to stay -- it's pretty solid. We have some railings yet to install in the Ravine and final landscaping when weather permits.

As for project marketing, we've been busy. We have a sale pending for 1.61 acres for a senior housing development. The building will be 3 stories and will sit at the corner of Hawkins and Birtz, which is an awesome location for independent senior living next to the park we've created. We're working with another apartment developer for slightly over 6 acres and hope to receive a letter of intent soon. We have increased interest from other residential and commercial builders, but unfortunately no bites. I expect all of this to change once we see the first development happen.

I am currently working on the "Sunset Plan" that will be the blueprint for the Reuse Authority to finish up our work here at the Fort and eventually go away . . . or fade into the sunset. Did you know that when I'm successful with this stuff, I no longer have a job? I say that slightly tongue in cheek; however, there is truth to this statement. Once the FHRA is done selling property, overseeing vertical development and assuring architectual standards/PUD requirements are met, the only thing left is repayment of tax revenue bonds. At some point, we will have to create some type of property management or neighborhood association to look after the landscaping and other infrastructure improvements we've put into place. However, I'm sure this will be a tight partnership with the City of Lawrence.

In the meantime, we are cleaning up records by conveying parcels and assisting with infrastructure improvements to private property in an effort to achieve this goal. My aim is to have all of this detail stuff done by year end so we can truly focus on the final 56 acres and get them developed.

There are lots of changes and all of them good. Stay with us as we journey toward the sunset.

What's Going In Here?

2009-09-25T10:31:00.000-07:00

Roads are taking shape with asphalt paving and several sidewalks have been poured here at the Fort. See all of this has prompted many people to ask, "What's going in here?" Naturally, with construction many people expect to see cool things like buildings. When I answer this question with an enthusiastic . . . (because I AM sometimes overwhelmingly enthusiastic about this project) . . . "We're building new streets, sidewalks, bike lanes, parks and planting a bunch of trees!" Usually, they look at me with disappointment and respond, "But I thought we were getting a library!"

Let me set the record straight. We WANT a Lawrence Library here within Lawrence Village at the Fort and are working with the Mayor and the Marion County Library Association in an effort to make that happen. Unfortunately, in this economy, the process is more difficult, but rest assured that we are still working on it.

As for seeing buildings go up, we need to sell property to developers of those buildings first. And, we are working very hard on doing that, too.

Well, as a Lawrence resident, I've got a wish list of my own and it's closely aligned with both others in the community as well as with the master plan for Lawrence Village at the Fort. We are working to bring in more living options such as apartments, condos and townhomes; more small to medium size businesses with employees who want to get out and walk in these beautiful surroundings; and DEFINITELY more restaurants and retail offerings. With all of the employees and students in the near vicinity, we are desperately underserved when it comes to nice sit-down family-friendly restaurants.

The Reuse Authority participated in the City of Lawrence's recent Community Day at Lawrence Park on September 19. Several people stopped by our "booth" and some even completed a questionnaire asking what they'd like to see out here. Here are some of their responses:

Restaurants: Independantly owned family dining, Olive Garden, Puccini's, Cafe Patachou, Texas Roadhouse, Zest, Red Robin, Johnny Rockets, Rock Bottom, Ruby Tuesday, and a pizza restaurant.

Housing: Condos, townhomes, apartments, lofts

Businesses: Movie theater, farmer's market, artists, library, hair salons, Chase bank

Other: large water fountain, amphiteheater, military memorial monument, indoor/outdoor play area, indoor/outdoor art gallery.

This list doesn't represent the entire list collected. It does represent some pretty good ideas of what the Reuse Authority would like to see out here. What you won't see are the "big box" stores such as Costco and Sam's -- not because we don't like them, but because we are building a smaller, more urban village with buildings that are close to each other, a minimum of two-story, and brick. We are also trying to stay away from "outlots" which are stand-alone restaurants and stores that are located in front of strip centers and malls.

We sincerely appreciate all responses and welcome more ideas! And, please stay tuned for more exciting news, because I guarantee there will be some! (there I go again with that enthusiasm.)

Road Construction is a Pain, But the Finished Product Will be Fine . . .

2009-08-28T07:00:00.000-07:00

I know how it feels. You're driving along, minding your own business, content that you're going to get to work on time when suddenly, up ahead you see . . . ROAD CLOSED. That ominous, obnoxious and aggravating sign can turn a good mood into a bad one in a split second. Those "Road Closed - Through Traffic Only" signs give hope to the driver who sees this as his opportunity to drive through anyway because after all, he thinks, 'I'm trying to get THROUGH here, aren't I?' Unfortunately, that only means that the road isn't completely finished yet and it's probably a bad thing to drive on it until it is.

Road construction is no fun for the commuter in a hurry, but it's an unfortunate necessity for progress. Especially as it relates here at Fort Harrison.

In May, the Fort Harrison Reuse Authority began mobilization of our $9 million infrastructure construction project for Lawrence Village at the Fort. Trees were cleared, buildings and streets were demolished, and sidewalks, curbs, and existing utilities were removed to make way for new trees, new streets, new sidewalks, new curbs, and new utilities (all of which we put in the ground so we don't have to see those overhead wires anymore.) The aim is to eventually sell remaining property to developers to build new buildings for retail, restaurant, housing, and office users.

In June, we started digging the east drainage pond which curves around the west end of the Benjamin Harrison YMCA. When finished, the pond will feature a quarter mile walking/jogging path around it and will be next to a future park next to Lee Road.

During this month of August, the roads are definitely starting to look more like roads with a lovely coat of lime and sub-base. In fact, one of the contractors described this stone as carpet on the floor of a new home -- getting us nearer to the finished product except you don't really want to walk on this "carpet". We started pouring sidewalks on August 26 at the Ravine on Post Road and we're start pouring curbs on August 31.

When we're done with the Ravine, you'll see a board walk going over what will look like a meandering stream in a bed of large rock (rip rap in construction speak.) We're planting 27 canopy trees and 18 flowering trees in this ravine area as well as 488 shrubs, and over 7,000 perennials and ground cover. The Ravine will be the first park we finish in this project.

By September 3, we should be able to start paving, weather permitting. We'll be able to open Wheeler Avenue, Otis Avenue, Hawkins Road and Birtz Road (from Hawkins south) TO LOCAL TRAFFIC ONLY some time in mid September. After everyone's happily attended the Hoosier Outdoor Experience (presented by the Indiana Department of Natural Resource on the weekend of September 26 & 27 at Fort Harrison State Park,) we'll close down 59th Street at Wheeler for the duration of the project.

By the end of October, landscaping and seeding will be complete. Now, just so you know . . . we're not planting sticks to replace the mature trees we unfortunately had to take out. We're planting nearly 400 beautiful flowering and canopy trees that are 4 inches in diameter to begin with. These trees will go in and put that finishing touch on what could be otherwise considered an unexciting project. We're planting 2,300 shrubs and over 23,000 perennials and ground cover in tree wells, rain gardens and street corners. By December 18, we should be completed with the project, ready for vertical development.

If you or someone you know are interested in learning more about development opportunities here at Lawrence Village at the Fort, give us a call. We are talking with many developers and users who have expressed interest so hopefully some time soon, we'll be able to shout from the roof tops the good news of new development!

FHRA to Have Booth at Lawrence Community Day

2009-08-28T06:56:00.000-07:00

Be sure to attend Lawrence Community Day and Chili Cook-Off on Saturday, September 19 from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. in Lawrence Community Park. The Fort Harrison Reuse Authority will have a booth with information about the current infrastructure construction at the Fort, project pictures both current and future, as well as candy for the kids! If the candy doesn't lure you to this very fun event, let free food samples from local restaurants do the trick. This is a good time so don't miss it!

Fort Benjamin Harrison Fact Sheet

2009-06-25T11:31:00.000-07:00

Location Overview
Fort Benjamin Harrison is located in Lawrence, Indiana approximately 12 miles or 20 minutes from downtown Indianapolis. It contains 2,501 acres of which approximately 1,069 acres is covered by woodlands.

Lawrence Village at the Fort is a mixed use urban environment at Fort Benjamin Harrison promoting community and multi-modal transportation methods. The Village is less than 5 minutes from I 465 and State Road 67 in either direction. Over 28,000 cars per day drive past the Village on 56th Street.

Lawrence, Indiana is the 16th largest city in the State of Indiana with a population of 43,000. Lawrence is within Marion County and is located in the more heavily wooded part of northeast Indianapolis near Geist Reservoir.

Education Overview
Ivy Tech Community College: Fall 2009 Student headcount -- 6,000; 42% of the students live within 10 miles of the Lawrence Campus; Daily average attendance -- 1,800 students.

St. Mary's Child Center: Assists at-risk children through day-care and preschool programs; full-time staff and volunteers.

Metropolitan School District of Lawrence Township: Serving 16,000 students; 17th largest district in Indiana.

Cathedral High School: Accredited, private high school serving 1,287 students; 95 faculty members.

Business Overview . . . so far . . .

Over 60 businesses
6 bank branches
9 restaurants
3 retail shops
2 overnight lodging

Department of Finance & Accounting Services (DFAS): 5,000 employees

Indiana Army Reserve: 85 full time military and civilian employees and 300 part time employees on the weekends.

Indiana National Guard Lawrence Armory: 61 full time soldiers and 397 part time traditional soldiers.

Commissary and Post Exchange: Over 35,000 military personnel, retirees and their families from across the State of Indiana travel to this PX/Commissary for essential goods and services.

Monarch Beverage: Within a mile from the Fort; employs 600 high paying jobs.

Housing Overview . . . within a 5 mile radius of the Fort

541 Neighborhoods totaling over 67,617 homes
Average age: 36
Average income per household: $50,007
Average # of people per square mile: 300
Average # of people per household: 2.6

Benjamin Court Apartments: 55 and over senior living apartments; over 400 units; 100% leased.

Harrison Place Apartments: 307 units; 1-3 bedrooms; 94% leased; market rate prices.

Boston Commons: Over 100 single and double adult homes without children with prices ranging between $200,000 and $275,000.

Lawton Loop Condos: Former Ft. Harrison barracks have been renovated into condos with an average price of $350,000.

Standish Estates: Neighborhood along 56th Street with approximately 30 single family homes starting at $175,000. Historic.

Benjamin Commons: Neighborhood with approximately 236 single family homes starting at $139,000.

Greentree at Ft. Harrison Assisted Living: 58 apartments (as of 2/09 only 6 units available.)

Parks & Recreation Overview
Benjamin Harrison YMCA: A 12,252 member YMCA since 1997; 53% female, 57% male; Average daily visits -- 663 people; Employs 175.

Ft. Harrison State Park & Golf Course: Pete Dye-designed golf course rated number 1 in State; horseback riding, hiking, fishing, picnicing, shelters.

Lawrence Soccer Complex: 21 soccer fields; FC Pride is home club with over 400 kids, 62% of whom live outside the Lawrence area. Three tournaments per year bring in over $1 million to the Lawrence economy.

Lawrence Skate Park

Lawrence Junior Football League

Fall Creek Little League

Lawrence Lions Club League

Lawrence 4th of July Festival: Week-long celebration at the Lawrence Community Park. The celebration includes carnival rides, fireworks, food, live bands and a parade.

Indianapolis Marathon and Mini-Marathon: Over 5,000 people from 42 states visit Lawrence each year for the 2 day event.

Office Space for Rent

2008-12-03T13:07:00.000-08:00

The FHRA has vacancies in our building here at the Fort. It's great office space at 9120 Otis Avenue. . .close to Taylor's Pub and the local CVS. . .across the street from a Panera Bread, IHOP, Arby's, Subway, and Peppers Pub. . .and within walking distance from the Fort Harrison State Park.

There are two spaces available. One is 710 square feet and the other is 1,123 square feet. The FHRA pays for all utilities including water, trash and sewer. Rent is extremely affordable. If you're interested in seeing this space, give us a call at 377-3400.

Indiana National Guard to Build Lawrence Armory

2008-10-23T11:37:00.001-07:00

I had the good fortune to meet with Adjutant General Martin Umbarger at the Indiana National Guard headquarters today. My purpose for meeting with him was to discuss their plans to build a new Armory out here at Ft. Benjamin Harrison and to see how this new development will benefit Lawrence.

I think there's no question that the new Lawrence Armory will be a huge benefit to Lawrence Village at the Fort as well.

The design of the new Armory is 95% complete. General Umbarger tells me that the construction bids open in January 2009 with the contract awarded by the end of February '09. They expect to break ground in April '09. It is their intention to do a Facility Dedication by May 2010.

The Lawrence Armory will be a headquarters for 4 units of the 76th Infantry Brigade (currently serving in Iraq.) The facility will house 61 full time soldiers and 397 part time traditional soldiers also called citizen soldiers. The Armory will cost up to $25 million and will be 110,000 square feet. It will be located on the north side 59th Street just within the boundary of Ft. Benjamin Harrison and directly to the east of the new PX & Commissary.

About 60% of the Armory soldiers will come from Indianapolis and nearby donut counties with 40% coming from across the state. Weekend drills will bring additional "strength" to Lawrence. All soldiers will be higher in rank since this is the headquarters for their units.

The Indiana National Guard is the State of Indiana's militia, authorized by the Governor in a time of crisis. The Guard supports the local government's public safety personnel, not leads them. It will be a huge benefit to Lawrence to have this Armory here in the event of necessary mobilization. Further, this Armory brings significant economic benefit as a result of increased expenditures of food, fuel, and other supplies.

And, did I mention that the Lawrence Armory will be yet another entity out here that will benefit from additional restaurants, retail, and whatever else the Village brings? (I think I just did.)

Odds and Ends

2008-10-20T12:16:00.000-07:00

Know anyone who would like to rent affordable office space in beautiful Fort Benjamin Harrison? The Reuse Authority has 700 square feet of space available on the second floor of Building 28 at 9120 Otis Avenue. Call Doris at 317-377-3400 if interested.

We've had to install a video surveillance system to monitor the gravel area on Wheeler Road. The gravel is the demolished PX & Commissary and is intended to be used for the new roads we plan to install in 2009. Apparently, some folks have been helping themselves to this gravel without asking.

The Reuse Authority is in a holding pattern regarding a Letter of Intent received from a local retail developer for prime real estate within the boundaries of the Village. More on this to follow...

The City of Lawrence and the Reuse Authority had a second meeting for skater dudes to see the design of the future Lawrence Skate Park. While the kids really liked the design, they had very good suggestions for making it even better. Schneider Corporation is proceeding with bidding this project out and if weather holds out, we hope to see it completed yet this year.

Mayor Ricketts and the Reuse Authority have reopened discussions with the Marion County Libary in the hope that we can work together to bring a library to the Village. Everyone is interested and are trying to determine the best way to be successful in this effort given the current state of the economy.

There's a new sign in town.

2008-10-07T07:52:00.000-07:00

Sitting at the corner of Lee Rd. and 59th Street at the Fort is a sign that says: Land For Sale, Master Plan Community -- Mixed Use, Contact the FHRA at 317-377-3400. It's a cool looking sign and pretty much says it all . . . We've got land to sell around here.

We've already had some callers, some of whom are questioning what we're doing, so I thought I'd share. A master plan for Lawrence Village at the Fort was created and approved by the FHRA, the City of Indianapolis, and the City of Indianapolis in 2006. The outcome of that is what's called a PUD or Planned Urban Development. This is a legal document that spells out what we can and can't do in the Village. The nice thing about this document is that we can be assured that all buildings will be around a common theme, landscaping will be awesome, and streets will incorporate bike lanes, wide sidewalks, and trees.

The even nicer thing about this plan is that it is a result of feedback from the community. It's basically what YOU want here at the Fort.

Lawrence Village at the Fort is intended to be a dense, walkable village atmosphere where people live, work, and play. Embedded within this 95 acre property, which is bordered by 59th St., Lee Rd., 56th St., and Otis, we'll have "pocket parks," which are small places to sit and read, throw a frisbee, or listen to a concert. We'd also like to incorporate public art, which is what the Village Art Committee is working on. (The committee meets again today at 4:00, by the way.)

The FHRA will have construction documents ready for bid by the end of this year, and we hope to break ground on the first phase of infrastructure in March of 2009. This phase will bring a new Wheeler Road, Otis Road, Merrit Rd. and Hawkins Rd.; one retention pond and one detention pond, buried utilities, tree-lined streets, and 6 foot sidewalks. Along with this development, we're working hard to attract businesses, residential, and retail. Which brings me to that Land for Sale sign.

We own approximately 50 acres of property that is for sale to developers and investors interested in making Lawrence Village at the Fort happen . . . soon. We're already talking to several people and receiving a lot of interest. (In fact, we're talking to one developer and have received a letter of intent to buy a parcel.)

The community got the ball rolling with their interest and feedback in creating a new town center. The FHRA is taking it from here toward the end goal of developing a great place for the community, businesses, and visitors to live, work, and play.

Skate Park & Stuff

2008-10-03T07:33:00.000-07:00

We are having a meeting for all "skater dudes" and others interested in seeing the preliminary design of the new Lawrence Skate Park. This meeting is on Saturday, October 4 at 10:00 a.m. at the Lawrence Government Center (southeast corner of 59th St. and Post Rd.) The City and the FHRA hope the Skate Park is done by year end, but a lot depends on the temperature as it relates to pouring concrete.

The City of Lawrence DPW has approved the FHRA drainage plan for the future Lawrence Village at the Fort. Now, we're good to go with creating construction documents for the first phase of infrastructure which will involve a new Wheeler Rd., Otis Ave., and Hawkins Rd. We'll do sideswalks, landscaping and all underground utilities as part of this work, which is scheduled to begin in March 2009. This project should go out to bid following permitting by the end of the year or around the first of January 2009.

We've been meeting with several developers and people interested in learning more about Lawrence Village at the Fort and getting a lot of interest. At the time of this writing, we have at least 3 developers who are interested in buying some of the 50 acres we have yet to sell within the boundaries of the Village. Stay tuned for more news and information . . .

Monarch Beverage Comes to Lawrence

2008-09-26T09:35:00.001-07:00

I just attended the groundbreaking ceremony for Monarch Beverage Company and am . . . like everyone else here in Lawrence . . . thrilled. This company has made a commitment to bring in 600 high paying, full benefit jobs to an area that is already redeveloping in conjunction with INDOT's work to develop Pendleton Pike into a beautiful 9 lane road. Monarch is building their 547,000 square foot facility on the 93 acres at where the old drive-in theater sat. [For the history of this theater, see Mayor Paul Ricketts who can give a wonderful history lesson on all things Lawrence.]

The FHRA is very excited about Monarch's investment in our community because it means more opportunity for the success of Lawrence Village at the Fort. Over 600 employees are going to need some place to eat, shop, and visit and this location is within a stone's throw from the Fort. (Of course, you'd have to have a pretty strong arm to do it, but trust me, it's close . . . at least within an easy 2-5 minute drive depending on the train schedule.) Lawrence is a great place to live because of our excellent schools and affordable housing so I can definitely see a growing need for more residential opportunities here at the Village as well.

Thanks to Monarch for selecting Lawrence and to Mayor Ricketts and his team for working diligently to bring them here!

Village Art Committee

2008-09-23T14:24:00.000-07:00

We've have one meeting already with a team of extremely talented individuals who share in common the fact that they have strong ties here in the community surrounding Fort Benjamin Harrison. The goal of the committee is to determine the future artistic direction for the Village, whether it's in public art displays, community art festivals, or functional art (park benches, trash receptables, etc.) We've told the committee that the sky's the limit -- I mean, how can we even think about putting a ceiling to artistic endeavor?

Judy Byron, local artist and architectural illustrator will chair the committee, which will meet monthly. Others on the committee include: Ed Watson, Midwest Model Makers; Mark & Shelley Rice, The Studio; Leo Miller, Vision Ventures; Greg Beyerl, Sign Craft; Sandi Groth, Greater Lawrence Chamber of Commerce; Kevin Foster, Schneider Corporation; John Wolski, Ski Landscape; Randy Royer, Browning Day Mullins & Dierdorf; and Mayor Paul Ricketts.

Very Long Process Indeed

2008-09-16T12:27:00.000-07:00

In August I attended the Association of Defense Communities (ADC) annual conference in Monterey, California. Four weeks on the job, and you can imagine how over my head it felt to listen to the experts talk about successful projects, planned projects, lessons learned, and more acronyms than what should be legally allowed. (In fact, I’m recommending for next year they do a primer on acronyms before the conference starts.)

The one thing I heard all of these experts say is that redeveloping a military installation is a VERY LONG PROCESS. That made me feel a little better since the question I’m mostly asked is “Why isn’t anything happening out there at the Fort?”

There are 3 answers as I see it now that I've been on the job for ten weeks.

1. Community Leaders Change. Since the FHRA opened its doors in 1996, the Authority has had 6 directors, and the City of Lawrence has had 3 mayors. Not only that, the City Council has changed as has master planners and state government leaders. It’s no wonder that decisions once made became historical footnotes. The good thing is that each one of these directors, mayors, city councillors, and master planners laid the infrastructure for tremendous progress today.

2. The Economy Changes. The last market analysis was prepared in conjunction with the last master plan which was completed in 2006. Since that time, the residential market has significantly changed and gas prices are through the roof. While Indiana is somewhat insulated from the severity of the market down turn on the coasts, we might still wonder if anyone will take a chance on our project at this time. I am encouraged by the positive response of the many people with whom I've talked -- some of whom are very eager to become part of the Village development.

3. Things Take Longer Than Expected. Think about those home construction projects that take you to the hardware store so often that you truly get to know that “Ace is the place of the helpful hardware man.” Magnify those projects by 100 and you’ve got change orders, hidden surprises in Army dirt, questions that cause further research, and an overall reluctance to begin. The things is, the Lawrence Village at the Fort project is no different than the other military installation redevelopment projects across the country. Regardless of size and scope, these projects take time because of the nature of the work itself. All of the work that's been done to date has been necessary and certainly sets the stage for "dirt to be dug."

We’re taking baby steps toward progress. We've finally cleaned up the property by mowing the tall grass and taking care of the neglected areas. We've formed a Village Art Committee of local business owners and residents who have impressive experience in a wide variety of the arts. We've kicked off the Phase I Infrastructure project by beginning construction documents. Our goal is to have a contractor in place and ready for construction in March of 2009. The FHRA is working with the City of Lawrence to build a Lawrence Skate Park, which will be an awesome addition to the City.

I'll have more to report after this Friday's board meeting. It's my intention to keep the community informed of progress as it happens.