CROWN POINT — An "unprecedented and groundbreaking" commercial retail center is being planned in the city.
The Fountains of Crown Point would occupy 109 acres at the northwest corner of Interstate 65 and U.S. 231. Initial plans call for two hotels, a bowling alley, a theater, fast casual and full service restaurants, a specialty grocery store, residential townhomes and a fire station.
"It's a great shopping, entertainment and dining experience," said Jeff Ban, of DVG Inc., project managers for the development.
Representing the developer, CDP Partners, Ban described the project during a workshop session Monday in front of the city's Plan Commission.
Ban said the Fountains would be an exciting addition to the Crown Point business community, and provide another quality-of-life enhancement for the city's residents.
The plan is targeted at attracting new businesses and tenants that currently do not exist in the Region or its retail trade area, Ban added.
"Fountains will add to the retail buying choices for regional shoppers," he said.
Ban estimated the total project investment at $150 million to $250 million.
Road improvements and pedestrian access
Access to the site is bordered by the entrance and exit ramp on the west side of I-65 at U.S. 231, and the intersection of Delaware Parkway and U.S. 231.
No new traffic signals are planned. The current three-way intersection at the exit of I-65 at U.S. 231 would become a four-way intersection. A new alignment will be created at Delaware and U.S. 231, including a new public roadway that would access the development. Two roundabouts within the development as well as water features are planned.
Improvements also are planned on U.S. 231 from I-65 close to Broadway.
The project will incorporate the planned Lake County Veterans Memorial bike trail to run along U.S. 231 to bring pedestrian and cycling traffic through the development.
The site, currently zoned for industrial use, will need to be rezoned for business. Ban said the site has been zoned as industrial for years and "not one thing has happened."
He said it will provide tax revenue and a large number of construction, retail, restaurant and service industry jobs as well as increase property values and development activities on adjacent commercial parcels.
The Plan Commission was universally in support of the plan. Board member Dan Rohaley called it a "home run."
"It's long overdue," he said. "I think it's amazing. Full speed ahead. I support it."
Mayor David Uran said the city has been trying to court something like this for a long time.
"We're excited that Crown Point has the ability to possibly have this in our own backyard," he said.
Speros Batistatos, South Shore Convention and Visitors Authority president and CEO, told The Times on Wednesday that if the developer of the project is able to execute and deliver on the plan, then they would share Crown Point's excitement in having such development in the Region.
"Any time you can bring those kinds of businesses and add to the inventory is just another success story for Crown Point and for Lake County," he said. "We would of course be very supportive if this comes to pass. We're cautiously optimistic and share Crown Point's enthusiasm for the project."