Potential changes coming to Home Place neighborhood in Carmel

CARMEL, Ind. – Carmel is looking to make updates in the Home Place neighborhood.

Rosie’s Gardens believes some simple improvements could spur other thriving businesses. The staple for picking up poppies, daffodils and zinnias at 104th and College has been open for decades.

“Over the last 40 years, it’s grown to over 14 acres of retail space,” said Emma Hughes with the store.

The family garden store has blossomed to accommodate returning customers, even expanding its parking lot.

“We knew that it was going to happen eventually, as Carmel and Indianapolis started growing up around Home Place,” said Hughes. 

With the help of a new main street organization, 106th and College, Inc., they hope to build up the surrounding area and potentially bring in other new businesses.

“We heard a lot about 106 and College, like, it used to be more of a place to gather than what it is now,” said Daniella Beltran with Yard & Co., a consulting firm on the project. That became a focus: how do we get businesses that are already here in a better position to stay here and continue thriving?”

The city, along with Yard & Co., created a 92-page rough draft plan detailing ways to beautify the newly annexed area, including reusing Orchard Park Elementary School and adding another neighborhood park.

Community members have been able to share their thoughts over the last year about what they’d like to see.

“With any change, there’s a little bit of pushback sometimes, but as we’ve gone to these community meetings at Carmel, it seems like there’s been a lot of support,” said Hughes.

One regular at Rosie’s Gardens and a resident of Home Place for more than 13 years said she’d love to see sidewalk improvements and trails for walking to and from her favorite store.

“It’s absolutely worth the investment, for sure, because that will pay off in the long run,” said Lily Kessler.

Organizers are asking for the public’s input on the plans before it is finalized and given to the city for approval. 

People can submit their thoughts online until May 14.