Anson - Zionsville Indiana, Boone County Update

I attended the Boone County MIBOR meeting yesterday at the Boys and Girls Club of Zionsville, "Club West" location. David Ide, their Chief Operating Office, was very welcoming and informed us they are always looking for volunteers. After our usual formalities, we received a presentation by Craig Anderson of Duke Realty Corporation, who is also a Boone County resident. The Anson project covers 1709 acres of land adjacent to I65 on the east between the 334 and 267 exchanges. This project is just 20 minutes from downtown and the airport. It is expected to employ approximately 25,000 people with an average income range of $55,000, with the non-residential construction cost estimates for this P.U.D. being placed at $810 million. The project is planned for three different phases:

• Phase I (Marketplace at Anson) encompasses the Eagle Township section of the project and includes retail, residential, parks, medical and office space. This Phase will include names such as: Lowes, Meijers, Witham/St. Vincent (scheduled to break ground in the spring), Lincoln Bank, Indiana Members Credit Union, CVS (already open for business) and more.
• Phase II (AllPoints at Anson) is in Worth Township and will include distribution, manufacturing, and industrial buildings. The ASI Limited building is currently under construction and we received information regarding "Project Viking" that is currently under negotiation. Project Viking involves the 51st largest company in the US who is a pharmaceutical company which handles mail order prescriptions and should provide approximately 1300 jobs. The project is still in competition with other areas including Louisville and will likely decided by State/Local incentives such as TIFs.
• Phase III covers the small section of Perry Township in the project and primarily focus on office space.

While the Anson development is off the ground and running there are still several unanswered questions because the project is based partly upon speculation. Duke is highly vested in this project and should ensure a very successful venture, but has several obstacles yet to overcome. For example, they were involved in talks with KB Home regarding portions of the residential housing project. KB Home has since pulled out of the Indianapolis market leaving Duke to find other alternatives. Ryland Homes is already selling town homes starting at around $158,000 for 1700 sqft. within the Anson Development.

Some of the discussion during and after the presentation: Phase I will include 680 homes in the Zionsville school district, but these homes will have a Whitestown address. The potential for a Theater and/or an outdoor Amphitheater within Anson. The expansion of I65 from 865 to the Lebanon exits over the next several years. Craig also explained how several of the office/retail locations will be combined with apartment complexes, having the business on the 1st floor and upper levels providing housing.

Boone County is on the verge expansion, with Anson leading the way. I am extremely excited to see these much needed changes and the upcoming benefits to Boone County residents and would be happy to help anyone looking to buy in Anson or other Boone County Indiana Real Estate.