Warren Township board considers Helix Development's office lease at Calvary Church facility

In a recent meeting of the City Council of Indianapolis, the Board of Zoning Appeals discussed a significant petition regarding the repurposing of a vacant office building located at the southeast corner of Post Road and Thirtieth Street. The proposal, presented by representatives from Helix Development, seeks a variance to allow commercial office use within a building currently zoned for religious purposes under the SU-1 classification.

The building, which has been unoccupied for over a year, is part of the Calvary Temple Baptist Church property, which has experienced declining membership and financial challenges. Helix Development aims to lease the building for its operations, which would involve 7 to 12 employees working primarily during standard business hours. The representatives emphasized that the office use would not significantly differ from the previous religious and community services conducted in the space.

During the meeting, David Gilman, representing Helix, provided a detailed overview of the site and its surroundings, highlighting the existing multifamily and commercial developments nearby. He argued that the variance would not only help revitalize the vacant property but also provide financial support to the church through lease payments, which are crucial given the church's current financial obligations.

However, the proposal faced scrutiny from city staff, who expressed concerns about the appropriateness of granting a variance instead of pursuing a rezoning to a commercial classification. Staff noted that the current use of the property for outdoor storage of modular homes, associated with Helix, could lead to increased traffic and potential zoning violations. They recommended denial of the variance, citing that the proposed office use does not align with the intended purpose of the SU-1 zoning.

The discussion also touched on the broader implications for the East Side community, where Helix and its partners have been working to create job opportunities and support local entrepreneurs. Jason Patterson, another representative from Helix, emphasized their commitment to improving the area and fostering community relationships.

As the meeting concluded, the board faced the challenge of balancing the needs of the church, the potential benefits of the proposed office use, and the concerns raised by city staff. The outcome of this petition could set a precedent for how similar cases are handled in the future, particularly in areas experiencing economic shifts and declining property uses. The board's decision will be pivotal in determining the future of this property and its role in the community.