574-unit apartment project planned next to Nora Plaza

The proposed apartment complex adjacent to Nora Plaza would be set back from 86th Street. (Rendering courtesy of TM Crowley & Associates, Arrow Street and Blackline)

A pair of local developers plan to build a nearly 600-unit apartment project next to Nora Plaza.

Indianapolis-based TM Crowley & Associates LLC is set  to redevelop the Winterton office park at 1010 to 1070 E. 86th St., along with a pair of adjacent residential properties.

Known as Winterton, the project would consist of 574 apartments across two buildings, along with more than 14,000 square feet of retail space and a 756-space interior parking structure.

A development cost has not been disclosed, but initial plans filed with the city of Indianapolis Department of Metropolitan Development indicate the project would be built in two phases.

TM Crowley is eyeing three parcels totaling nearly 7.2 acres for the project, including the office park and 8685 and 8699 Guilford Ave., which sit immediately to the west. Property records show the 8685 Guilford property, a 2,400-square-foot single-family home, was purchased by the company in March for $500,000. The other two properties are under contract, with undisclosed terms.

The Winterton office park was constructed in 1963 and features seven low-rise buildings developed around a central parking lot. The entirety of the 50,000-square-foot office park would be entirely razed for the redevelopment, according to the filings.

The first phase of the project is expected to be built in two sections, with 297 units in the first and another 179 in the second. Occupying the southern two thirds of the site, the first phase also would feature the parking garage, which would have 686 spaces on upper floors and another 70 on the ground level. It would also offer a fitness center and other recreation space, including an interior courtyard-like rooftop area on the second floor. The first phase will also offer about 14,350 square feet of retail, generally fronting 86th Street.

The main entrance to the project, from along 86th Street to the south, would sport a double-flank stair-stepped design, with a taller portion set farther back from the road. The southern facade would also feature a main driveway with an underpass to access a parking garage at the middle of the site; a second garage entrance would also be built on the western side of the building, off Guilford Avenue.

The first phase would also offer about 14,350 square feet of retail, generally fronting 86th Street. The northern facade of the building would have three separate, parallel wings extending from the area closest to the parking garage. The second phase of the project, developed as a separate structure, is expected to consist of 98 apartments.

The project is expected to include both exterior and secure indoor bicycle parking. According to filings, TM Crowley is also consulting with Target Corp., directly north of the project, and Nora Plaza owner Kite Realty Group to provide access between the development and those properties.

TM Crowley is seeking approval to rezone the property from its current C-1 commercial and D-2 dwelling designations to DP, allowing for a planned development. It is set to be considered by the Metropolitan Development Commission on Wednesday. A preliminary approval would send it to Indianapolis City-County Council for consideration.

City staff is recommending approval of the project, provided the firms agree to:

— Approval of a final site plan and elevations by the Department of Metropolitan Development

— Dedication of a 50-foot half right-of-way along 86th Street for a right turn lane

— Reasonable maintenance and cleanliness efforts across the development site during and after its completion.

Representatives for TM Crowley did not return a call requesting comment. The design firm on the project is Blackline Architecture.

Correction: An earlier version of this story incorrectly identified developers involved in the project. TM Crowley is now pursuing the project on its own, rather than with Arrow Street Development as a partner.