Inside INdiana Business is reporting that a former automobile junkyard in Boone County is set for a major transformation. The town of Whitestown has announced a $135 million redevelopment of the former Wrecks Inc. property, which will include a 200,000-square-foot youth sports environment, as well as residential and commercial space. Town Manager Jason Lawson calls the project a first of its kind for Boone County.
The project is being developed through a joint venture between Indianapolis-based Milhaus and Homefield, which will be the operator of the youth sports component.
The town says the project will include 250 market rate apartments, as well as the potential for about 75 for-sale residential units. Plans also call for a hotel with at least 105 rooms, an outdoor water sports and entertainment venue, at least 50,000 square feet of medical office space and about 50,000 square feet of commercial and retail space.
“Since purchasing the land more than two years ago, town officials have worked diligently to develop plans for this property,” Lawson said in a news release. “We believe the project we have attracted is an ideal complement to Little League International’s new Central Region Headquarters currently under construction in Whitestown.”
Homefield is owned by Robb Heineman, who also owns the Sporting Kansas City professional soccer team. The town says the youth sports environment will include at least one outdoor field.
“Whitestown is a promising location for Homefield because of its vibrant and growing community,” said Heineman, who also serves as chief executive officer of Homefield. “We’re excited to bring the joy of Youth Sports to the athletes, families and fans in this area. We think Whitestown can be a role model for the future of Youth Sports in this country.”
The town is seeking local incentives to support the project, including tax increment financing and the adoption of a food and beverage tax. Nathan Messer, director of operations and economic development for Whitestown, says the town is in the process of implementing local incentives that will be included in the final development agreement.
The Whitestown Town Council is set to hear a presentation on the project at its February 10 meeting.