The city of Carmel is gearing up to actively engage its residents in envisioning its latest neighborhood with the launch of the CNO District Design Competition. Three venerated urban design firms — Browning Day, Ratio Design, and Yard & Co. — have been invited to lay out their visions for the 80-plus acre space that once housed the CNO Financial Group campus. In an innovative initiative, the public will get to review and to comment on the proposed designs in August, before the city crowns the winning master plan. According to Carmel’s Mayor Sue Finkam, quoted by Carmel's official news bulletin, the community’s early input is crucial to the development of what promises to be a "premier gateway" to the city and a stand-alone destination in itself.
Residents are not the only stakeholders Carmel is looking to involve; significant input is also expected from Carmel Clay Parks & Recreation. The body is set to guide a design process that prioritizes public spaces, connectivity, and engagement. In envisioning a district to rival the popularity of the Carmel Midtown Plaza, the design calls for features such as water elements, a centrally situated lawn or amphitheater, and modern office spaces nestled within accessible retail districts, as highlighted in the City of Carmel’s press release. With the ebb of demand for certain types of office space and the rise of walkable residential spots, the CNO area's overhaul is set to reflect the needs of varied life stages among Carmel dwellers.
Carmel's Director of Community Services Mike Hollibaugh elucidated on the timing of this project, describing it as an opportunity to rekindle areas with unoccupied and underperforming buildings into vibrant districts building upon the city's previous redevelopment successes, he said in a statement to Carmel's official news bulletin. CNO Financial Group's relocation last year opened up possibilities for this part of Carmel, not just for its residents but also as a pull for visitors seeking unique experiences within the city.
The design concepts will be exhibited to the public from August 4-11, enabling residents to review and make important comments through a public portal or at physical display stations located at prominent public places, including the Carmel Clay Public Library, the Monon Community Center, and Carmel City Hall. Further information on how to access these designs will be made available on the city's social media, website, and in the community newsletter, which interested locals can subscribe to later this month, according to details provided by Carmel's press release.
Following the public's review, a recommendation is set to be made by a team of City staff and councilors on which firm should move forward to develop the full master plan. Council President Adam Aasen articulated his appreciation for the mayor's moves to involve the City Council early in this transformative journey for Carmel.
