Westfield RDC approves Nicholas Family of Companies for new ice hockey complex, sets pre‑development funding

The Westfield Redevelopment Commission on March 16 approved a recommendation and bid‑offer‑to‑contract (BOT) award to Nicholas Family of Companies to develop a multi‑sheet ice hockey facility at Grand Park.

City staff presented market and procurement analyses showing unmet regional demand and a Hunden Partners 30‑year impact estimate projecting nearly $500 million in direct and indirect spending and roughly $8.7 million in hotel‑occupancy tax revenue to the city over three decades. Rachel Baker, redevelopment manager, said the city selected a build‑operate‑transfer delivery model so a private partner would handle design, construction and operations while ownership transfers to the city on completion.

“Three NHL‑regulation sheets to start, with infrastructure to support a fourth, makes this a multi‑purpose venue for youth and adult hockey, figure skating, curling and community programming,” Baker said during the presentation. The Nicholas proposal’s 25% schematic estimate for a three‑sheet facility was presented at about $88.6 million; staff said expanding to a fourth sheet would add roughly $7.9 million and increase estimated net operating income by about $1 million annually.

Nick Papa (Nicholas Jr.), CEO of Nicholas Family of Companies, told the commission, “This is a once in a generation build opportunity,” and pledged the company’s hands‑on involvement through delivery and operations. The firm described a vertically integrated approach combining design, construction, operations and hospitality partners to operate the venue.

The city’s early‑phase financial exposure to advance pre‑development work was presented as not to exceed $1.5 million prior to establishing a guaranteed maximum price (GMP). Staff said later financing would likely include municipal bonds (potentially after bond‑anticipation notes), with repayment sources such as net facility operating income, sponsorships, Hamilton County tourism funds and inkeeper tax receipts.

Derek Edwardson, executive director of the Indianapolis Youth Hockey Association, spoke in support of the project, saying current regional capacity limits youth programming and tournament hosting. “We currently have 1,200 youth players,” Edwardson said, and added that additional sheets would enable larger tournaments and steadier year‑round activity for local players.

After public comment and brief committee remarks, commissioners moved, seconded and approved the resolution recommending the BOT award to Nicholas. The commission recorded roll‑call approval and the motion passed.

The commission package indicates pre‑development work and GMP pacing aimed at preparing a GMP in early 2027, with construction completing about a year later and a target opening in the third quarter of 2028.