City economic development staff and consultants from Avison Young presented data Sept. 8 showing robust regional growth and a shortage of modern, mixed‑use office product that could create near‑term opportunities for office development in downtown Westfield.

Janelle Fairman, director of economic development, summarized recent and ongoing projects — including headquarters announcements, land acquisitions around Grand Park, the Ambrose On Main mixed‑use groundbreaking and a new economic development website — and introduced a market study from Avison Young on office demand.

Why it matters: The study links regional population and white‑collar job growth to a shortage of high‑quality office space, particularly newer mixed‑use product where tenants value amenities, private terraces and walkable access to restaurants and services. Consultants told the council that Westfield has a deep labor pool within a 15–20 minute drive and that many office decision‑makers already live in the area.

Key findings and city context
- Regional growth and forward indicators: Avison Young noted that the Indianapolis region is outpacing several other U.S. markets on population growth and white‑collar job posting volume, which the firm views as a forward indicator of office demand.

- Shortage of modern product: The consultants reported that office availability is lowest for buildings constructed since 2010, meaning tenants seeking high‑quality space face tight supply. They said mixed‑use, walkable locations are particularly undersupplied.

- Local opportunity: Avison Young recommended downtown Westfield as the most immediate opportunity for office development because it already has restaurants, coffee shops and other amenities that office tenants prefer; Grand Park and other areas could be prospects later as amenities expand.

Quotes
- Janelle Fairman, director of economic development: “We have a really good opportunity here in Westfield with our very educated residents to really develop [office] right here.”
- Grant Hayes, Avison Young (client data solutions lead): “We view job posting data as a forward‑looking indicator of future economic growth within a market.”
- Anthony Zicola, Avison Young (Central Region office lead): “Tenants want access to amenities — restaurants, roof terraces and private terraces — and they are willing to pay a premium for higher‑quality space.”

Details included in the presentation
- Recent and near‑term projects: Ed Carpenter Racing and Beacon announced headquarters locations; Beacon’s site is in Northpointe, and ECR is planned for the Grand Park District. The city finalized the Grand Park master plan and is working with Keystone Group on development north of 180 Sixth Street. The Ambrose On Main mixed‑use project had a groundbreaking in August.

- Downtown placemaking and marketing: Fairman said the department launched a new website (www.westfieldecdev.com), began a LinkedIn presence and is running programs such as Make My Move to attract remote professionals who can choose where they live.

- Next steps: Staff recommended the council consider strategies to encourage mixed‑use office development in downtown Westfield, and said they will supply the full 67‑slide study to the council on request.

What councilors asked: Multiple councilors requested copies of the full report; the consultants said a longer narrative report and a 67‑slide version exist and would be shared with council.

Bottom line: City staff and consultants presented evidence that regional growth and a shortage of modern mixed‑use office product support targeted efforts to build quality office space in downtown Westfield as a near‑term priority, with Grand Park as a longer‑term possibility.