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Vision for Carmel’s next great neighborhood starting with community input
Design competition portal now open; summary report to be shared in coming weeks
CARMEL, Ind., Aug. 4, 2025 - Carmel residents can now share their input on three distinct plans as part of a design competition in support of the City’s newest district.
Community members can access the designs and make comments today through Aug. 11 via a public portal or at display stations placed at Carmel City Hall, Carmel Clay Public Library and the Monon Community Center. Details on accessing the designs will be promoted on social media, on the City’s website and in Carmel’s community newsletter (link to subscribe) beginning later this month.
Three nationally recognized urban design firms are taking part in the CNO District Design Competition, offering their respective visions for the 80-plus acre area east of U.S. 31 and bounded by City Center Drive to the north, Congressional Drive to the east and south and Pennsylvania Street to the west. The area includes the former CNO Financial Group campus among several other properties.
Browning Day and Ratio Design, Indiana firms, and Yard & Co. of Ohio are taking on the challenge at no cost to the City of Carmel. The design teams were asked to provide concepts that feature exceptional placemaking, advanced sustainability and innovative public infrastructure.
“I’m especially excited that early input from the community will shape the offerings of what will become both another premier gateway to our city, as well as a distinct destination in its own right,” said Mayor Sue Finkam.
Carmel Clay Parks & Recreation is playing a key role in guiding the design work, shaping a district that will devote significant real estate to public spaces, connectivity and engagement. Rivaling Carmel’s popular Midtown Plaza district, features could include greenspace, water features, trails, office space, public gathering space, retail and housing options.
Carmel’s plans to redevelop the area come at an opportune time. In April 2024, CNO Financial Group relocated its corporate headquarters to a new location in Carmel, 11299 Illinois St. Additionally, central Indiana has mirrored the nation in experiencing a shrinking demand for certain classes of traditional office space, resulting in a higher-than-average vacancy rate along Carmel’s Meridian Corridor that includes the CNO district. At the same time, demand for vibrant, walkable residential areas continues to grow in Carmel, which frequently ranks among the nation’s top cities by sources including U.S. News & World Report, Niche and Livability.
Details about the CNO District Design Competition are available at this link.
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About the City of Carmel, Indiana
A thriving community acclaimed for its distinct amenities, robust and innovative business environment and excellent schools, the City of Carmel was named the #2 Best Place to Live in the U.S. by U.S. News & World Report. Highly regarded by its residents as a safe community offering an exceptional quality of life, Carmel is home to an award-winning parks system and a wealth of cultural options. Carmel is built for big dreams. Find out more at www.carmel.in.gov.
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