Carmel committee approves Republic Hotel expansion to wrap parking garage

The Carmel Architectural Control Committee approved recommendations for the Republic Hotel expansion during its June meeting, advancing plans for an 84-key hotel that would wrap an existing eight-story Republic parking garage and include first-floor retail.

Committee members voted to approve the project recommendations after staff presentation and a brief discussion of design refinements and operational details.

Larissa, a staff member, told the committee, "This will be a 84 key hotel that is wrapping the existing 8 story parking garage at the Republic headquarters with First Floor retail and, then the hotel rooms above." She also said the project team and the city "have worked diligently with Republic and their architect Ratio" and presented plans the staff supports.

Staff noted one specific design comment: a corner element should be modified so it "matches the rest" of the façade. Larissa said that change will be addressed during the ADLS process and project documents. Staff also asked the applicant to clarify how many parking spots would be reserved in the garage, to coordinate with Carmel IT on adding security cameras in the garage, and to ensure parking-garage signs match Carmel city standards.

A committee member noted the hotel is intended for Republic Airways staff and visitors doing training, describing it as an expansion of an existing on‑site lodging called the Brickyard Hotel. The speaker said the hotel is for "exclusive use of Republic Airways staff and personnel who are visiting, and doing training, etcetera there." The committee did not specify any operational or contract details for that exclusive use during the meeting.

The committee called for a motion to approve the staff recommendations; a motion and a second were recorded and a roll-call vote was taken. Counselor Austin and Secretary Brooks voted "aye"; the chair announced approval.

Earlier in the meeting the committee also approved the minutes from its Dec. 18, 2024, meeting. A separate motion to approve the minutes passed on a roll-call vote in which Counselor Assen and Commissioner Brooks voted "aye."

Committee members and staff emphasized that a number of project details — the corner modification, reserved parking counts, camera installation and final signage — will be resolved through the ADLS review and project documentation process and continued coordination with Carmel departments.

The committee adjourned with no further business.