JASPER — A proposed multi-use project on South Newton Street may bring a McAlister’s Deli to Jasper.
The Economic Development Commission recommended to the Common Council Monday morning an economic development target area and tax abatement for SERVUS!, the Jasper-based company that operates McAlister’s.
The $4.5 to $6 million dollar project will include a roughly 4,500 square-foot McAlister’s Deli and 4,500 square feet of other retail space on the first floor, SERVUS!’s new corporate headquarters on the second floor and six units of high-end loft apartments of approximately 1,000 square feet each on the third floor.
Rent for the apartments is estimated at $1,200 to $2,400 a month.
A later phase two of the project would add additional retail and housing space, but is dependent on the success of the initial development.
The development is planned for the triangular swath of land to the west of Los Bravos Mexican Restaurant and Jasper 8 Cinemas.
“Having opened our first restaurant in Jasper in 1964 and our current headquarters 10 years later, this project is a continued investment in our hometown where we want to continue for the next 50 years,” said Jason Kelly, president and CEO of SERVUS!.
SERVUS! owns several brand franchises including Denny’s, Grandy’s, Long John Silver’s and Wendy’s. McAlister’s is the company’s newest addition, with its first McAlister’s Deli opening in Bedford this past April.
Final approval on both the tax abatement and the economic development target area lies with the Common Council, that will consider the proposal at its May meeting, scheduled for 7 p.m. Wednesday at City Hall, 610 Main St.
SERVUS! hopes to begin construction this fall.
“We don’t have a building like this in Jasper,” said Peter Ariens, a member of the Economic Development Commission. “It is completely unique.”
Ariens acknowledged other multi-use projects in the works for Jasper. The River Centre development at corner of Third Avenue and Second Street and the Jasper Cultural Center at the corner of Fourth and Main streets are also planned as multi-use projects. Both are along the Patoka Riverfront near the Jasper Train Depot and Jasper City Mill.