Talent Key to Bottleworks Project
Developers of the $300 million Bottleworks District mixed-use development in downtown Indianapolis say talent will be the key to the project’s success. Work on the first phase of the massive redevelopment effort at the former Coca-Cola bottling plant is underway and Hendricks Commercial Properties Vice President of Development Isaac Bamgbose says the project aims to draw and also create talent in the area.
In a special Quality of Place Town Hall edition of Inside INdiana Business, Bamgbose said talent on various levels will be a focus of the project. "Talent to fill the jobs that are going to be (in) the companies that are operating out of there whether it’s on the hospitality side all the way to the high-tech side, but at the same time the talent from an entertainment standpoint and a food and beverage standpoint and so we’re being very selective and patient in who we bring to this project. So far, so good and we look forward to announcing some pretty exciting partners as part of this project."
Bamgbose adds the Bottleworks District will also include a training institute for people looking to get into the hospitality sector. He says the facility is part of the partnership with New York-based West Elm, which will have a boutique hotel as part of the development.
"It’s a key part of what West Elm sold us and why we’re so excited to partner with them because they’ve really become a part of the fabric of the community in that way in really showing that there is opportunity in these different industries," said Bamgbose. "It’s not just one segment, but you have opportunities in numerous segments and different industries."
Construction on the Bottleworks District began in June and developers are hoping to open the redeveloped portions of the site and the first new building in 2020. Indianapolis-based venture studio High Alpha also announced in September it would become the anchor office tenant for the development by relocating its corporate offices. Bamgbose says the move is another part of the drive for talent.
"With everything that’s happening on Mass Ave, we think this is going to be a great space for them in terms of being able to not just attract talent and help further build the tech ecosystem in Indianapolis and Indiana, but also help retain because having those options are key."