Boone County Commissioners move forward with 47 Commons

LEBANON, Ind. — Boone County is moving forward with plans for a massive mixed-use development near I-65 and State Road 47.

County commissioners just recently approved phase 1 for 47 Commons. Currently, the area consists of miles of farmland along the southwest quadrant.

“What we have to look for is the future, and what other businesses are going to come in here,” said Commissioner Donnie Lawson. “There are no gas stations between Frankfurt and Lebanon.”

For the last year, commissioners have been looking to fulfill their comprehensive plan, like developing this section of land. County roads will be built out and a regional sewer district will soon get started, but the first company to officially move its headquarters into the 190-acre development is Merritt Contracting, Inc.

“It’s the opportunity to retain 150 employees,” said Andrea Kern, CEO of Boone County Economic Development Corporation. “These are high-paying jobs, and then the creation of 85 jobs, at least 85 jobs in this first phase.”

Along with boosting the economy in Boone, they’re the group building out the rest of 47 Commons and making it a place to live, work, and play.

“They’re seeking retail, other commercial opportunities,” said Kern.

Officials said it’s still too early to have a visual plan of what it will look like, but the total project investment could be upwards of $200 million.

“Is there going to be residential here? We don’t know yet, and that’s for the developers to decide what needs to go on, and that’ll be in phase two,” said Lawson.

County officials said that it’s one step at a time for now, but they expect more interest in the land.

“Now that it’s approved, you’ll probably start seeing people who are more interested in locating here,” said Commissioner Scott Pell. “Now more talks will occur, and we can tailor each company to fit our specifications as we want to do this moving forward.”

Contractors hope to get started near the end of 2025, but it could take up to 10 years to fully complete.