CARMEL, IN FOCUSED ON EXCELLENCE Mayor Finkam WWW.CARMEL.IN.GOV
FOCUSED EXCELLEN CARMEL, IN AT A GLANCE CARMEL, INDIANA WHAT: A vibrant and innovative city north of Indianapolis WHERE: H amilton County, Indiana WEBSITE: www.carmel.in.gov 1 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 05, ISSUE 08
D ON NCE A FAST GROWING CITY OFFERING A HIGH QUALITY OF LIFE, AMIDST A CULTURE OF EXCELLENCE In central Indiana, just a few miles north of Indianapolis, Carmel has transformed from a quiet bedroom community into a thriving urban and suburban environment. The city stands out for its exceptional public schools, extensive parks, innovative infrastructure and rich arts scene. “We have distinguished ourselves over the last 40 to 50 years as a community where people are focused on 2 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 05, ISSUE 08
excellence,” says Carmel Mayor Sue Finkam. EDUCATION AND ATHLETICS With its highly educated population, one of the many aspects that makes Carmel shine is its top-rated schools. The Carmel Clay School District is home to one of the largest high schools in the state with close to 5,300 students, three middle schools, and eleven elementary schools. With a variety of academic, arts, and technical opportunities available, the district also has an extremely successful athletics program, boasting 194 state championships. “We have a highly-rated school district that is one of the primary economic development drivers in our community,” Finkam explains.“Our schools continue to raise the bar. What I think our role is, is if we create an incredibly dynamic community that’s thriving, it also helps attract the best students. It’s a symbiotic relationship.” Carmel prides itself on its nationally-recognized School Resource Officer program that represents a collaborative effort between the Carmel Police Department and the schools to not only ensure safety, but also to foster positive relationships between students and law enforcement. “They have a rockstar public safety professional who oversees their safety program. And it’s something special. The kids appreciate the officers in the schools and this permits us to put a different face on policing, for kids,” says Finkam. BUILDING FOR THE FUTURE Carmel’s approach to urban planning exemplifies its dedication to smart growth and innovation. “One of the things we’ve done best is to build a master plan for our community.That started with our first female mayor, who dedicated an interstate that goes through part of our community as our corporate corridor,” Finkam describes. “This has allowed us to put our larger taller buildings along the corporate corridor and maintain and protect the residential corridor along Keystone Parkway where it’s more tree-lined and quieter.” 3 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 05, ISSUE 08 CARMEL, IN
Mayor Finkam with the Carmel City Council 4 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 05, ISSUE 08
Guided by this strong master plan, Carmel has divided the core of the community into distinct areas- the Arts & Design District, Midtown and City Center. “We’ve been investing heavily in those key areas from an infrastructure standpoint, with complete streets, beautified areas with flags and hanging flower planters, street-level public art, and beautiful public plazas where people can gather,” says Finkam. A popular gathering space, Midtown Plaza, referred to fondly as Carmel’s living room, has garnered national recognition. “We have a public plaza with a green space, multi-use pathways, corporate headquarters, restaurants, retail and other amenities like swings, pool tables, ping-pong and outdoor fireplaces where friends and families can truly gather,” says Finkam. This area also includes a giant outdoor theater screen where members of the community can watch movies and sports events.“We had 14 young people who qualified for the Olympic swim trials which Mayor Finkam with professional ice carvers at the 2024 Festival of Ice 5 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 05, ISSUE 08 CARMEL, IN
At Carmel Drive and RangeLine Road in Carmel sits Proscenium—an epitome of success for development projects. Proscenium has it all: condos, apartments, office, restaurants, retail and green space. Developer Birkla Investment Group (BIG) is proud of its innovative architecture and aweworthy amenities. But owner Tony Birkla is most eager to discuss the elite partnerships they forged to get it done. “We create real estate projects that attract people to be a part of something bigger,” Birkla said. “Our trusted partnerships with cities, investors, businesses and residents create unique human experiences in real estate.” The City of Carmel, Woolpert Architects and Lake City Bank partnered to create Proscenium with great enthusiasm. Condos sold out long before construction was complete, and the project was honored with the Indy Monumental Award for Real Estate Development in 2023. “BIG’s public-private partnerships with the City have completely transformed one of our key redevelopment districts,” said Henry Mestetsky, Executive Director, Carmel Redevelopment Commission.“The result has been a long-term investment in walkability and vibrancy.” Mestetsky is true to his word. BIG completed Mezz 42 in Carmel in 2015 and “big” things are to come. Overture at Proscenium is under construction, and Proscenium Phase 3 is on the board.
were held in Indianapolis this summer. We had four Olympic swimmers and their coach and one Olympic tennis player who competed in Paris. It was exciting to cheer for our home town heroes on the big screen,” she adds. DOWNTOWN DEVELOPMENT Featuring established community favorites like Bub’s Burgers and Joe’s Butcher Shop, Carmel’s Main Street also showcases an eclectic mix of art galleries, service-oriented businesses and boutiques. Unique food and drink experiences are also plentiful ranging from local pubs like Woodys Library located in a 1913 historic Carnegie Library building to an array of international options from Thai to Greek to Italian. For more upscale offerings, the District features Anthony’s Chophouse, Monterrey Coastal Cuisine and the newly opened, Tre on Main. 1st ON MAIN, a new development spanning 1.7 acres is expected to bring continued vibrancy to the area. Finkam elaborates, “This is a $40 million project with 35 apartments, eight two-story forAeriel view of Midtown and Monon Boulevard 7 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 05, ISSUE 08 CARMEL, IN
AT CNO FINANCIAL GROUP, MAKING AN IMPACT IS EMBEDDED IN OUR BUSINESS. Our purpose is to secure the future of middle-income America. CNO’s customers work hard to save for the future, and the core of our business is to help protect their health, income and retirement needs. Our team of associates, agents and independent partners remains a critical component to how we serve our customers, advance our mission and purpose, and make a difference in our communities. We are committed to positively impacting our communities by supporting nonprofit organizations and local partners that focus on the health and financial wellness of middle-income Americans. CNO invests in giving back to organizations in the communities where we live and work, including our headquarters in Carmel. In 2023, CNO delivered more than $2.5 million in total community impact through our philanthropic efforts, and our associates volunteered more than 8,750 hours within their communities. CNO is proud to call Carmel our corporate home. We’ve had a longstanding history and deep roots in the central Indiana community and will continue to invest in it as part of the fabric of our business. © CNO Financial Group Making a difference. Together. At CNO Financial Group, we’re invested in giving back to organizations that support the health and nancial wellness of middle-income Americans and help build stronger communities where we live and work. Life | Health | Retirement CNOinc.com
HEALTHCARE IN THE HEARTLAND When it comes to purpose-driven businesses, people matter most. That’s why Zotec Partners is located in America’s heartland, where the Midwest work ethic and environment form a truly special community. Thriving in its hometown of Carmel, Indiana for over 25 years, Zotec supports thousands of clinicians nationwide and processes over 120 million medical encounters annually.The company simplifies a complex healthcare revenue system and improves the financial experience for everyone. Behind this success is an inviting community for employees and employers. With its low tax base and cost of living, the city and state are business-friendly and family-friendly—an ideal formula for a thriving company culture. Thanks to strategic partnerships with local government, financial institutions, and healthcare leaders, Zotec continues to expand its innovative, data-driven, and compassionate revenue cycle solutions for providers and patients while reducing healthcare administrative costs, one encounter at time. The company has proven that with its people, process, and technology, clinicians can count on Zotec to navigate the ever-changing healthcare revenue cycle efficiently and deliver industry-leading patient experiences.Located in a phenomenal community for families and businesses,Zotec’s success story continues to have a promising future with incredible people, deep healthcare partnerships, and transformational technology. CARMEL, IN
sale condominiums and a 310-space public parking garage. It features 73,000 square feet of office space with a private rooftop terrace. It’s a fantastic redevelopment project right in the heart of our city.” INNOVATIVE INFRASTRUCTURE Another notable achievement in the city is the extensive network of roundabouts- more than 150- that have proven to significantly reduce traffic fatalities and improve walkability, while also cutting down on emissions. The Keystone Parkway corridor has received national attention for its implementation of the world’s first ‘Dog Bone’ roundabouts, used as interchanges onto and off of the parkway, which is at a lower elevation. CONTINUOUS DEVELOPMENT As these efforts to maintain and enhance city The big screen in Midtown Plaza 10 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 05, ISSUE 08
infrastructure continue, Carmel is also working to meet housing demands. “About 75 percent of our residential properties are single-family homes. We’ve added a lot of for-rent products in the past 10 years and will continue with that model.” says Finkam. Ongoing initiatives include the creation of a Housing Task Force to look at the affordability and accessibility of housing stock in the community. “Like cities all across the country, we are challenged in providing enough housing for the demand and also making sure it’s affordable for residents,” said Finkam. Finkam notes that Carmel is currently focusing on two major development areas. The first is a 78-acre site, owned and formerly occupied by CNO Financial Group. “It is just west of our Midtown area, and we hope to find a partner with whom we can develop this area, as our economic development director describes it, The Monon Greenway features public art. “Sail” by Ow 11 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 05, ISSUE 08 CARMEL, IN
into ‘Carmel’s next great neighborhood’.” The aim is to transform it into a mixed-use development with public amenities while taking advantage of connected retention ponds for additional recreation opportunities. Additionally, the city is looking to update the corporate corridor along U.S. 31. “We feel like this is an opportunity for us to reimagine the corridor; more mixed-use, more amenities next to these large office buildings because that’s what today’s worker is looking for and expects,” Finkam emphasizes. Mayor Finkam also envisions an International District in Carmel, celebrating Carmel’s cultural diversity.“It will be an area where we can truly highlight all the different cultures represented in our community.” ENHANCING QUALITY OF LIFE Carmel’s park system, developed in partnership with Clay Township, is a big part of the city’s appeal, opportunity awaits CARMEL | FISHERS | NOBLESVILLE | WESTFIELD | NORTHERN TOWNS Learn more about visiting, working and living in Hamilton County at InvestHamiltonCounty.com. JUST NORTH OF INDY wens + Crawley provides the perfect photo opportunity 12 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 05, ISSUE 08
offering a wide range of amenities from accessible parks to an impressive water park with a lazy river and wave rider. These spaces are a treasured part of the community. “Every park has its personality, its unique aspects that allow our residents to have free entertainment all year long, and spaces to spend time with their kids, pets, or each other,” Finkam conveys. With the development of two additional green spaces underway, Bear Creek and Thomas Marcuccilli Park, the City also offers an extensive trail network, including a five mile section of Indiana’s Monon Trail and the upcoming White River Greenway. “We have more than 220 miles of trails here, and a river that borders our eastern edge,” says Finkam. FUTURE OUTLOOK Looking ahead, Mayor Finkam says the city is committed to enhancing community engagement, fiscal responsibility, and youth involvement in Carmel. City initiatives like the successful Community Survey which saw a remarkable ten percent adult response rate and the launch of a transparency portal have helped achieve this goal. “I’m super excited about the portal because people will have more understanding of how we spend their hard-earned tax dollars. I am committed to fostering greater understanding of what the city does and how we operate.” Carmel is also rolling out a zero-based budgeting process, a first for the city. “The process gives us the opportunity as leaders to consider how we’re spending dollars and what we’re prioritizing, so we can be aligned with the needs of the community,” says Finkam. Moving forward, the city will continue to embrace the innovation, diversity and quality of life amenities it is known for, and, in the words of Mayor Finkam, “highlight why Carmel is an incredible place to be.” Managing today’s electric grid reliably, cost-effectively misoenergy.org From our Carmel headquarters, we keep electricity flowing to over 45 million people 24/7/365. EAGAN MN CARMEL IN LITTLE ROCK AR WASHINGTON DC Mayor Sue Finkam 13 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 05, ISSUE 08 CARMEL, IN
PREFERRED VENDOR/PARTNER n Birkla Investment Group, LLC. www.big.dev Birkla Investment Group creates real estate projects that inspire. Founded by Tony Birkla, BIG has more than 30 years of experience designing and developing urban-styled, residential mixeduse communities. Each custom development incorporates unique features that attract residents and businesses vital to the larger community. n CNO Financial Group www.cnoinc.com CNO Financial Group, Inc. secures the future of middle-income America. CNO provides life and health insurance, annuities, financial services, and workforce benefits solutions through our family of brands, including Bankers Life, Colonial Penn, Optavise and Washington National. Our 3,500 associates, 4,700 exclusive agents and more than 5,000 independent partner agents guide individuals, families and businesses through a lifetime of financial decisions. n Zotec Partners www.zotecpartners.com Zotec Partners makes a difference by improving the way healthcare works. As the country’s largest, privately held provider of revenue cycle solutions, we process more than 120 million medical encounters annually. Zotec’s data-driven technology, patient insights and industry-leading services optimize the financial experience for healthcare organizations and patients nationwide. n Allied Solutions www.alliedsolutions.net Allied Solutions, headquartered in Carmel, Indiana, is a leading provider of insurance, lending, risk management and data-driven solutions to over 6,000 financial institutions across North America. As a wholly owned subsidiary of Securian Financial Group, Allied Solutions offers customized technology solutions and a diverse portfolio of innovative products and services nationwide. n Hamilton County Tourism, Inc. www.visithamiltoncounty.com n Invest Hamilton County www.investhamiltoncounty.com Opportunity awaits in Carmel, Fishers, Noblesville and Westfield, located in Hamilton County, Indiana. Just north of Indianapolis, Hamilton County is one of the fastest-growing counties in the country. 150+ headquarters including insurance, finance, tech, ag, logistics and healthcare. Home to Grand Park Sports Campus, Ruoff Music Center and Conner Prairie. n MISO www.misoenergy.org MISO is the electric grid operator for the central U.S. and ensures power flows reliably and affordably across 15 states and the Canadian province of Manitoba. Additionally, MISO facilitates the buying and selling of electricity in its region and assists with planning the grid of the future. 14 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 05, ISSUE 08
WWW.CARMEL.IN.GOV WWW.BUSINESSVIEWMAGAZINE.COM AS FEATURED IN Carmel IN
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