By Bridget Levitz, Truth Staff
ELKHART -- Elkhart Civic Plaza may become a destination.
Two sets of developers think it's possible. And while both groups differ from each other in style and planning, they have a common goal -- turn the downtown plaza into the place to be.
Columbus-based developer Herman Renfro's plans show a four-story hotel with townhouses and condominiums on the top levels and a fitness center, high-end restaurant and other retail and dining spots at street level.
Local developer Dan Brekke's group offered a five-building campus extending the plaza and incorporating the vacant Borneman building on High Street, currently owned by Brekke. The multi-building design showcased a river view and left greenspace for a central park and amphitheater -- two aspects the city hoped for in its original RiverWalk concept.
Both developers kept the plaza clock tower as a focal point.
Elkhart's Redevelopment Commission and planning staff will weigh both proposals. A 4 p.m. meeting on Feb. 22 is set to decide if either plan is right for downtown. A packed chamber Monday showed community interest and enthusiasm in the projects.
Renfro tried sweet talking his way into the commission's favor. He brought chocolate chip cookies along -- the trademark treat of a stay at a Doubletree Inn, the hotel Renfro wants to bring downtown. He also wants a Starbucks Coffee or Panera Bread and a popular steakhouse.
Renfro said he's visited Elkhart often, and after a call from the city last year, returned. He liked what he saw happening downtown.
Working with local architect Gary Frank, Renfro wants to do the same thing to Elkhart that he did in another Indiana city. He brought a hotel to West Lafayette that has led its market for four years.
"West Lafayette's success was even more apparent last year," Renfro said. "I see similarities in what can be done here."
The proposed 113,000-square-foot building would cost $18.5 million. Renfro hopes to enter into a redevelopment agreement with the city to use Tax Incremental Financing revenue for 15 years to pay for building costs. He is proposing leasing the land for about $60,000 a year, with the first full payment in the third year.
Brekke's group didn't bring dessert, and it didn't bring names. Instead, Waterfall Terrace LLC promised to cater to the city's plans for downtown development. The local group used downtown studies, such as a 2004 Hyett Palma report, to guide its design.
The multi-building design by Elkhart architect Jeff Helman would bring retail, office, residential and hotel and conference room space to bring 24-hour vibrancy downtown.
"Our plan is dramatic," Wightman Petrie's Ken Jones said. "It's a kick start and it's laced with vision."
Brekke and developer Paul DeLano want to purchase the land from the city for $1 and to use TIF money for public improvements, including new underground parking. The area already is in the city's TIF district. Total investment would be about $24 million.