business,” maintained Brainard, a chief proponent of the center. “The economic development benefits are going to be huge.” Road improvements and development in other parts of the city aided the business climate, as well. The completion of work on 131st Street and on streets in the Village of WestClay made it easier for drivers to get to shops. The Indiana Spine Group’s building under construction since late summer on U.S. 31 includes space where renowned Dr. Rick Sasso will hold classes that, according to Brainard, are expected to attract physicians from around the nation.
Small towns find achievement
Leaders of the small towns in northern Hamilton County cite positive development and achievement in 2010, too.
mid-year. Alice O’Brian, a Carmel-based caterer for 11 years, opened Alice’s Restaurant on New Year’s Eve. O’Brian and the building’s owner renovated the 100year-old building, most recently a grocery, from stem to stern. “You’d never recognize the inside if you’d ever been in the market,” said Cook. “This is something we’ve needed in town for a long time” to attract people to the business district. Connie Pearson, last year’s Sheridan Town Council president, sees business successes all along Main Street, where nearly all of the storefronts are filled. A Sheridan business cornerstone, JBS United, converted the Carnegie library building into office space and agricultural laboratory.
AN
AWARD
WINNING
A face-lift in Arcadia’s downtown was a noticeable change for business. Wide brick and concrete sidewalks, decorative street lights, the renovation of Town Hall, and a freshly paved Main Street raised community pride. Property owners neighboring the business district were seen making their own improvements throughout the summer and fall.
CITY
Construction on Midwest ISO near the water tower
Midwest ISO selected Sheridan for a $35 million project in the industrial park. The facility will mirror one in Carmel, where the company manages electrical grids in 13 states. The project cost includes a $10 million investment in land and infrastructure.
Alice’s Restaurant, Arcadia
The Arcadia Arts Initiative continued to expand unique offerings in the town, said Bill Cook, 2010 town council president. A dance studio and art gallery opened in
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The recession was responsible for a few Cicero businesses closing, said Kay Hartley, last year’s town council president, but a couple of new ones opened and the town’s grocery store reopened. In that community, the Economic Development Commission is aggressively pursuing its goal of attracting an optometrist, a law firm and a dry cleaners, she added. v
February • March 2011/Hamilton County Business Magazine
CONTACT
Judi Johnson, Assistant Economic Development Director City of Noblesville 317-776-6345 jjohnson@noblesville.in.us PROPERTY/DEMOGRAPHICS SEARCH ENGINE: noblesvilleprospector.com