Fishers seeking to develop two parcels by Nickel Plate Amphitheater

The city of Fishers is seeking proposals to build office space on two vacant parcels it owns immediately north of the Nickel Plate District Amphitheater.

The parcels, which are divided by Municipal Drive, are at 1 Municipal Drive and 6 Municipal Drive. Both are currently used for parking.

The development could bring a total of 65,000 square feet of office space to the city’s downtown.

According to the request for proposals issued Saturday, the city is seeking a project that would complement its outdoor concert venue.

Fishers currently is investing $6 million to upgrade the amphitheater. The project includes redesigning the stage to accommodate different light and sound equipment, installing a new stage backdrop, creating a green room and building a pavilion with restrooms and meeting space for up to 50 people.

A plaza with a water feature, a terrace that could be used for seating or activities like ping pong or cornhole, and a playground are included in the project.

The RFP says the commercial development should either be exclusively office or combine office with retail and/or residential.

The development could include one or both of the parcels, but the city is suggesting two buildings connected by a skywalk, pedestrian path or streetscape.

“These last remaining parcels within the heart of the Nickel Plate District create a unique opportunity to continue the critical mass of live-work-play development in downtown Fishers,” Fishers Mayor Scott Fadness said in a written statement. “We expect to receive unique development proposals that would appeal to companies looking to grow in Fishers to anchor the development and be part of the vibrant spirit of the District.”

The western parcel is 10.3 acres, but only about 1 acre would be developed because of a retention pond on the property. It could accommodate at least three stories and 20,000 square feet, according to suggested designs in the RFP.

The eastern parcel is 4.7 acres but only about 1.75 acres would be developed, The building on that parcel could be at least four stories and 45,000 square feet.

At least four parking spaces per 1,000 square feet of leasable space is requested by the city, and the parking would be available to the public after 6 p.m. on 150 days per year, according to the RFP.

Construction would start in the spring or summer of 2018 and be completed by the summer of 2019.

Proposals are due Nov. 13, and the city expects to make a decision by December.