Developer plans $25M ‘village’ project in downtown Westfield

Carmel-based Old Town Cos. is planning a $25 million mixed-use project with residential and retail elements for downtown Westfield, marking the first major private development to be announced adjacent to the city’s $35 million Grand Junction Plaza project.

On Tuesday morning, the development company and Westfield city leaders announced the project, which is expected to include market-rate apartments, condos, shops and restaurants. Old Town has not specified the exact mix or number of units, saying it wants to consult with community leaders and the public in July to get feedback.

To be named Union Square at Grand Junction, the Old Town project would be built on the city block south of State Road 32 and between South Union and Mills streets. The block is directly north of the planned Grand Junction Plaza.

The Westfield City Council narrowly approved funding in March for the six-acre public plaza, which is expected to include greenspace, trails, an amphitheater and ice-skating rink. Construction of the plaza is expected to begin this summer and continue in phases over three to five years.

Construction of Old Town’s project would begin in 2020.

“Our goal for Union Square is to create a small village architecturally with buildings that look as if they’ve been there for 100 years,” Justin Moffett, a partner with Old Town, said in a media release.

“Our interest in this site was initially generated by the proposed plans (for) Grand Junction Plaza. It’s an outstanding location and with the development of Grand Junction Plaza, we’re excited to get started on being a part of the area’s transformation.”

Moffett told IBJ that Old Town has negotiated agreements to purchase all of the properties on the block, which includes Wolfie’s Grill at 137 W. Main St., Westfield Pharmacy at 103 S. Union St., and the Westfield Lions Club at 120 Jersey St. on the southern perimeter of the block.

Old Town is working with current occupants of the block to find suitable relocation options, either within Union square or at another site.

Tuesday’s announcement kicks off a public comment process. Specifics about the project will be decided after a series of meetings in July, Vicki Gardner, Westfield’s public relations director, told IBJ.

Old Town also is consulting with the Downtown Westfield Association, Grand Junction Task Group and other community stakeholders.

“This is an exciting time to be a part of Westfield, and I am appreciative of Old Town’s partnership with Westfield and its desire to engage the community,” Westfield Mayor Andy Cook said in media statement. “Our council recently invested in the plaza with the intention that this could show a return on investment, and the private sector is already responding. I am hopeful to see where this project will go and how it can benefit Westfield.”