WHITESTOWN, Ind. — Town officials in Whitestown are describing a proposed retail and housing development as a “gateway” to the community.
Right off Interstate 65 near East County Road 550 South and Perry Worth Road sits 40 acres of land that developers hope to turn into a massive housing and retail project that would be called Padgett Commons.
The proposed $110 million development would be one of the first things people see off the interstate, which is something town officials hope will transform the area.
“We’re kind of considering it as a gateway,” said Katie Barr, the town manager of Whitestown. “It kind of gives Whitestown an identity, some character.”
Barr said the development would essentially become the “front door” to Whitestown.
“People traveling, visitors and our residents will have a place to stop, shop, eat, socialize,” she said.
Padgett Commons would feature 120 apartments and 80 senior housing units, which is something Barr said will help address drastic growth in Whitestown.
“We’re doubling our population very rapidly,” she said. “Right now, we’re at 13,000 to 14,000. In 10 years, we’re expected to double our population and be between 26,000 and 30,000.”
With that kind of growth, Barr said Whitestown also needs more entertainment, retail and dining options. Padgett Commons would bring 25,000 square feet of retail space, an outlet store or superstore and restaurants.
“We’re not necessarily looking for chain restaurants,” Barr said. “We want locally-owned restaurants and things that are a little more personalized for residents to have.”
The project also focuses on green space and trails, which is something town officials hope everyone can enjoy.
“Possibly an amphitheater where we can have music come in for all the residents of Whitestown,” Barr said. “We are really priding ourselves on trying to make greenspaces so people can gather here in Whitestown, come together as a community and just enjoy the area.”
Later this year, the Whitestown Town Council will also consider a 25-year, $27.2 million bond to pay for infrastructure work. That would include expansion of nearby roads, which would allow Padgett Commons to become a real artery to downtown Whitestown.
Town officials said work on that land could begin as early as next fall. They said the project would be done in stages over the next five to seven years.
