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Council backs Clark's Landing 'Clockworks' redevelopment, approves resolution to support funding applications
Summary
After a multi‑part presentation, the council suspended rules and adopted Resolution 20‑26‑R10 to back Wayland Ventures' redevelopment plan for the former Colgate campus, clearing a path for IEDC grant applications and phased project TIF discussions.
Council members voted to back a redevelopment strategy for the former Colgate/clockworks campus in South Clarksville and adopted Resolution 20‑26‑R10 to provide formal local support for funding applications.
Presenters from Wayland Ventures and Southern Indiana Tourism outlined an adaptive‑reuse plan that preserves historically registered buildings and repurposes other campus space into a mixed‑use destination anchored by a proposed conference center, sports‑use facilities and a hotel. Jim Epperson of Southern Indiana Tourism said consultants had identified Clarksville South as a preferred site and that preliminary cost estimates in earlier phases were about $153 million; presenters later noted a multi‑phase program could total between $400 million and $500 million in today's dollars.
Bill Whelan and Barry Alberts (Wayland) emphasized reuse advantages and tax‑credit financing opportunities: "This building really becomes the key element," Whelan said, describing a two‑story space within the campus that could serve as a ballroom and conference facility. Presenters asked the council for a non‑binding resolution to strengthen an application for IEDC blight and development funds and to show municipal support while no funds are committed by the town.
Councilman Ramsey moved to suspend the work‑session rules and then to adopt Resolution 20‑26‑R10; both motions carried. The resolution does not commit town funds but signals municipal backing that project partners said is critical for competitive IEDC support and for structuring a project‑based TIF if phases proceed. Presenters said phase‑one private work would include a Marriott hotel with about 175 rooms and shell conference space, with follow‑on public infrastructure and tax‑credit financing discussions to be negotiated if the project proceeds.
Next steps: project partners plan further design, financing work and a pending IEDC application; staff indicated they would return with supporting documents and potential TIF structuring for council consideration.
