Daleville Eyes Downtown ‘Magnet’

The investment is expected to be around $4 million.

Daleville Town Council President Tom Roberts says a proposed $3.7 million downtown project will help "bring alive the community." Plans call for a three-story development with retail, office and apartment space. Indianapolis-based developer Envoy Inc. says it will also include trails, streetscapes and public art. Officials will pitch the development Thursday evening at a meeting with the town council.

Roberts believes the project can help the town attract future development. He says it fits in with an ongoing downtown redevelopment work that was jump-started by a 2014 Downtown Revitalization Plan.

Roberts tells Inside INdiana Business "I really think this is going to spur other private investment," which he says is a key piece to this project. Roberts says things have come this far because the company is willing to invest, as are the redevelopment commission, town council and county leaders. "They all see the importance of Daleville to Delaware County and east central Indiana."

Roberts anticipates challenges that may crop up as development continues downtown include financing hurdles and some residents that may be resistant to change, but he says "you just have to work through that."

Envoy has also completed mixed-use developments in Fishers, Kokomo and Peru, among other Indiana cities. "Old Town Junction," as this plan is called will include 16 loft-style apartments on the second and third floors, with commercial space on ground level.

Roberts says "with the most jobs in the county, Daleville is poised for opportunity. It’s important to ensure the community is a great place to live in order to increase the local population and encourage new businesses. We are committed to seeing this through and look forward to the momentum this proposal brings to our efforts."

Other recent efforts to breathe more life into downtown Daleville a $4.2 million Town Hall Park. Roberts says if all steps are cleared, the project could be complete mid-2017.