A developer has big plans for one of Indianapolis' struggling east side malls. Representatives from BRC Commercial Properties held a community meeting Thursday in Warren Township to introduce their plans for the Washington Square Mall property, WRTV reported.
"Our vision is to turn it into the Washington Square Grand Resort and Conference Center," BRC CEO Britt Wagner said. "We're looking to bring about 2,000 hotel rooms."
Where the deal stands
Wagner said a purchase agreement is in place and the company is three to four weeks away from a deal with the 12 property owners who share the land.
Once the purchase is final, Wagner said construction, which includes tearing down the current mall, could take up to a year to get going. The goal is to have the project underway by late 2027, with a five-year plan for long-term growth and construction.
The mall today
The mall is still open, but its popularity has dropped sharply over the past 20 years, WRTV reports. Several anchor stores, including JCPenney and Burlington, have left in recent years. The property has potholes, empty lots, trash and graffiti. Two main areas divide the inside of the mall, and many storefronts sit empty.
What could come with it
None of the possible amenities are set in stone, WRTV reports. Ideas presented at the meeting ranged widely: a senior community, a kids zone and arcade, a spa, rooftop dining, an improved theater, luxury shopping and a Ferris wheel.
Wagner said the developers will move forward with whichever amenities draw the most public interest.
Neighbors react
Residents at the meeting were mostly upbeat.
Larry Scott, who has lived on the east side since 2000, said he supports the plan. "My concern was, I don't want the east side upgraded while gentrifying the neighborhoods," he 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, another east side resident, said she's tired of the area getting a bad reputation and welcomes new development at the 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."
Big questions remain
WRTV's report didn't include a project cost, financing details, a design team or a builder. It also didn't say what city approvals the project would need. For a proposal of this size, those will be key details to watch as the deal moves forward.
About 2,000 hotel rooms would make it a very large hotel project for any market. Whether the plan holds at that scale will depend on financing, approvals and how the final mix of amenities shakes out.
Why it matters for contractors
If it happens, this would be a huge job for Indianapolis-area contractors. Demolishing an enclosed mall is a major project on its own, with large volumes of concrete, steel and debris to remove, plus whatever environmental work an older retail building may need. Then comes sitework, utilities and paving on a big property that WRTV describes as riddled with potholes and empty lots.
The vertical construction would be even bigger. A resort and conference center with around 2,000 hotel rooms, plus possible amenities like a senior community, spa, theater and retail, would need nearly every trade, from concrete and steel to MEP, elevators, interiors and hospitality fit-out. A five-year growth plan suggests the work could come in phases.
But it's early. There's no final purchase yet, no announced cost or builder, and construction isn't expected to start until late 2027. Contractors should treat this as a project to watch, not one to bid yet.
For east side subs and suppliers, the opportunity is worth tracking. Pay attention to whether BRC closes with the 12 owners in the coming weeks, and watch for zoning filings and design announcements. Those will be the signs that this pitch is becoming a real project.