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Redevelopment commission approves mixed-use project at Madison and Third; developer is local resident
Summary
The Merrillville Redevelopment Commission on June 24 adopted Resolution 25-14, approving a temporary license agreement and conditional sale agreement to support a proposed mixed-use redevelopment at the corner described in the presentation as "70 Third and Madison."
The Merrillville Redevelopment Commission on June 24 adopted Resolution 25-14, approving a temporary license agreement and conditional sale agreement to support a proposed mixed-use redevelopment at the corner described in the presentation as "70 Third and Madison." The action carried by roll call vote 5-0.
Nut graf: Petitioner David Lewis, who identified himself as a Merrillville resident and local investor, presented a conceptual plan for a two-story, mixed-use building intended to revitalize a vacant corner lot. Architect Jay Johnson described a ground floor with four retail tenant spaces and an upper floor with three residential units (two similar two-bedroom units and a corner unit), and concept materials showing cementitious siding on the upper floor and brick and glass at street level.
Lewis said the project has been under discussion for years and that his intent is to enhance the neighborhood; he said the site is near his home and he wants to improve the streetscape. Project representatives said they will seek to hire local subcontractors and estimated an 8-to-12-month construction schedule once design is complete, while the developer told commissioners they hoped to begin site work in about three to four months to get in the ground before winter.
Commissioners and staff confirmed the project will be treated as an incentive subject to the town's project-labor agreement: the construction will be built by union labor or under a project labor agreement administered with the Northwest Indiana Building Trades Council, said staff. No public comments were recorded during the hearing. After presentation and limited questions, the commission approved the resolution to move the conditional sale and licensing process forward.
Ending: The commission approved Resolution 25-14 by roll call 5-0 and congratulated developer David Lewis. Staff will proceed with the temporary license and conditional-sale process required to advance design and permitting.
