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Indianapolis-based Buckingham Cos. is seeking city approval to develop a new apartment project in Broad Ripple along the Monon Trail, which will require razing apartments that have been on the site for more than 70 years.
The firm’s plans call for a five-story, 187-unit project at 6114 Carvel Ave. called Monon Court. The development on the 1.4-acre site would replace an apartment property Buckingham purchased in 2017 for $4.2 million.
A cost for the project has not yet been made public. Buckingham did not immediately return a call from IBJ requesting comment.
Monon Court would include a mix of studios and one- and two-bedroom units ranging from 450 square feet to more than 1,100 square feet. The project would feature four floors of apartments atop a first-floor parking garage containing at least 160 spaces.
Buckingham first presented its plans for the development to Broad Ripple Village Association’s land use and development committee.
The plans are expected go before the city’s Board of Zoning Appeals in coming weeks. The firm hopes to rezone the commercially-designated property to a D-P, or planned development district.
The development is not expected to feature any mixed-use components such as office or retail space. Public filings indicate the development will include a private rooftop terrace for residents, along with other amenities like a lounge and fitness room and an interior courtyard.
The building would have at least 5-foot setbacks on each side, with a buffer of at least 25 feet from the trail—much of which is expected to feature new and existing trees and public art installations. Current proposals call for the building to be about 60 feet tall.
Because of the project’s proximity to the Monon, Buckingham is required to consult with Indy Parks about how its construction will affect trees and other landscaping on the property’s west side.
Buckingham told BRVA in January it plans to make most of the units market-rate, although at least 20% would be available to people making 80% of the area’s median income. It’s unclear whether that is still part of the developer’s plan.
The BRVA’s land use committee voted in April to support the project, contingent upon Buckingham continuing to work with the group and residents.
In 2019, a Buckingham project at College and East 62nd Street was called off following intense pushback from Broad Ripple residents.
Monon Court would replace Granville, a three-story, 50-unit property constructed in 1948 that has rents that are generally below market rate. Buckingham also owns Monon Place, a 136-unit apartment and townhouse development on the south side of East 61st Street, adjacent to the proposed development.
Construction on Monon Place is expected to begin in spring 2022.
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How many units are in the old apartment block this development would replace? Hopefully it is a net gain in units.
There are 50 units in the current building. 187 units in the planned development.
“Monon Court would replace Granville, a three-story, 50-unit property constructed in 1948”
bye bye Broad Ripple, charm and character being torn down and overpopulated and gentrified. Traffic is going to continue to amplify beyond control.
I think the hope is people will ride the bus 🚌 isn’t it? It is a loss of affordable housing though.
Broad Ripplians likely lamented the loss of early 19th century charm in 1948 when the non-descript Monon Court apartment building was constructed. And so it goes. Progress and change is inevitable, and as the popularity of Broad Ripple as a destination neighborhood grows, the demand for housing increases. The more people who live in our community help increase the prosperity of the many small businesses here. And that is a good thing.
Thank you Brent B, perfectly put.
People have been saying that for decades. The truth of the matter is that if a place doesn’t change in a way consistent with what the market wants, it will decline. Change is a consequence of the market economic and economics. If you don’t like it, move to the Soviet Union.
What’s the fate of the BR High School property? Shouldn’t this all be looked at comprehensively… or am I sounding to much like a City Planner?
If this plan comes to fruition, hope the current tenants can find a suitable replacement. Granville certainly does not have all the ‘bells and whistles’ as newer apartments. But, the cheap rent and desirable location are great trade offs.
Great…more congestion in Broad Ripple. Geniuses.
People living in close proximity/walking distance to Broad Ripple businesses, the greenway, and BRT is a good thing. Cars cause congestion, not people.
That was a dumb response. All those people will have cars. I lived and rented in BRip for 5 years. Every person on my street… drove a car to work.
5 stories?? Lets just call it BroadRipple Canyons instead of BroadRipple Village.
The development at 64th and Monon Trail alrwady towers over what is left of BroadRipple Village. Tall,plain, and boxy. What has appened to our village? Who approves all these zoning variances?
Respectful responses should be submitted. One can disagree without using sophomoric language.
Most have cars but many choose to walk or use other modes. Some may drive two to three blocks; most do not.
Five stories is not very tall. A significant addition of multi-story buildings along every street would perhaps create a minor canyon effect. This is not the case.
The popularity of the area has resulted in demand. No change would not be a good thing. One must bear in mind that the areas has continued to change over the last 50 years. While always a focal point, the activities and businesses of 2021 are not those of four decades ago. Lack of congestion also indicates and area going nowhere.
Let’s go!!! Bigger,higher!!!! The world is watching and wanting bro move to that city!