INDIANAPOLIS — Representatives from BRC Commercial Properties on Thursday hosted a community meeting in Warren Township to introduce their planned development at the Washington Square Mall property.
The mall itself remains open, but has experienced a large decline in popularity over the past 20 years. Several anchor stores, including JCPenney and Burlington, have left in recent years. The property also struggles with potholes, empty lots, trash, and graffiti.
Two main areas divide the inside of the mall, and many storefronts are vacant.
Britt Wagner, CEO of BRC Commercial Properties, said they are three to four weeks away from a deal with the 12 property owners who share the land, and a purchase agreement is in place.
“Our vision is to turn it into the Washington Square Grand Resort and Conference Center,” Wagner said. “We’re looking to bring about 2,000 hotel rooms.”
While none of the possible amenities attached to the hotel development are set in stone, proposals were wide-ranging: a senior community, kids zone and arcade, spa, rooftop dining, an improved theater experience, luxury shopping, and a Ferris wheel.
Wagner made it clear that developers will decide to move forward with whatever amenities draw the most public interest.
Larry Scott, a community attendee who has lived on the east side since 2000, said he supports the development.
“My concern was, I don’t want the east side upgraded while gentrifying the neighborhoods,” Scott said. “But it doesn’t sound like that’s where it’s headed. It sounds like they really have the east side in mind for economic growth.”
Teri Rypel, also an east side resident, said she is tired of that area of the city getting a bad reputation and welcomes this kind of development for the struggling property.
“I was a little skeptical at first, until the discussion went on further,” she said. “I think it’s a great idea. We need to do something on the east side of town.”
Wagner said once a purchase is finalized, construction on the development — which will include tearing down the current mall — could take up to a year to happen. Their hope is to have the project underway by late 2027, with a five-year plan in place for long-term growth and construction.
