A pickup travels north on McKinley Street past the main structure that is part of the old Gatke property Monday, March 7 in Warsaw. A developer is working with the city on a plan that would bring apartments and other uses on the land. InkFreeNews photo by Dan Spalding.

By Dan Spalding
InkFreeNews

WARSAW – While there are still hurdles to clear, the city of Warsaw is working closely with a private firm to redevelop the old Gatke property.

Shelby Bowen, owner of Rebar Development, Fishers, addressed the city redevelopment commission Monday and offered an aggressive time schedule on the first of two phases in the development.

The property bounded by McKinley and Winona Avenue includes a massive steel structure and a handful of other old brick buildings that have sat empty for decades.

Rebar intends to renovate the 20,000 square foot warehouse with a mix of uses while relying on the existing steel frame.

The smaller buildings would be removed to make room for an apartment building that could include 75 units and possibly a retail element on the ground floor.

Bowen told the commission they would like to begin work late this year.

Bowen said he wants to find the right mix for the old warehouse.

Entities who have approached Bowen with an interest include fitness, education, restaurant, office space and education,

All of this will depend on financing from the public and private and none of it is locked in yet.

At the same time, the construction industry is challenged by inflation, product shortages and labor concerns.

The path forward might be challenging, but Bowen and city officials say they like what is coming together.

On Monday, the commission agreed to continue working together toward a plan.

Having that kind of agreement helps when negotiating with retail tenants, Bowen said.

City officials welcomed the cooperation.

Commission president Tim Meyer said he’s familiar with Rebar’s project in Speedway and deemed it “very attractive.”

Mayor Joe Thallemer said he considers the possible project as having a  “transformative impact” on the area.

Board member Michael Klondaris said he likes the aggressive timeline.

Alan Tio, CEO of Kosciusko Economic Development Corp., is also lending his support to the city on the project.

Cost of the two phases combined could be around $18 million to $20 million, Bowen said after Monday’s meeting.

Rebar is in the middle of similar public-private partnerships in Lafayette and Yorktown. 

Bowen said in recent years, he’s seen the public portion of a joint project reach 30 to 40 percent.

“It’s a lot of money, which is why it’s sometimes tough to get these kinds of projects over the finish line,” Bowen said.

In other matters, the commission approved a plan to have Wessler Engineering study the idea of modifying plans for a lift station so it could also serve the airport where it will be located. The initial idea is to serve the terminal building and eventually extend service to the hangers.

Skinner said the airport relies on septic, which has been underperforming for years.

The lift station is part of new infrastructure intended to attract more development nearby.

The commission also conducted a public hearing as it works to reshape the existing TIF district that encompasses the Marketplace of Warsaw shopping center. The shopping center is being cut out of the district. The move is being made to reset the shopping center’s tax value as the shopping center prepares for a major renovation.

Shelby Bowen, owner of Rebar Development, speaks Monday, March 7, at the Warsaw Redevelopment Commission. InkFreeNews photo by Dan Spalding.