Developers Sought for Proposed 1,000-Acre Mixed-Use Village at LEAP

The Indiana Economic Development Corporation is seeking a master development partner for a proposed mixed-use village within the LEAP Research and Innovation District in Lebanon.

The request for proposals was made public in July and covers approximately 1,000 acres north of State Road 32 and west of Interstate 65 and U.S. 52.

Unlike the manufacturing and technology campuses already taking shape within LEAP, this portion of the district is envisioned as a place where people could live, shop, dine and spend time. Early concepts identify the potential for housing, retail businesses, restaurants, hotels, recreational spaces and other community amenities.

What is being proposed?

The IEDC is not currently announcing a selected developer or a finalized construction plan. It is asking qualified development teams to explain how they would approach planning, financing and building the village over time.

The selected master developer would help turn the broad concept into a more detailed plan, including the mix of uses, development phases, infrastructure needs and overall character of the area.

That distinction matters: the release of a request for proposals does not mean every feature shown in early LEAP plans is guaranteed to be built. Specific projects would still need to move through design, review and applicable local approval processes.

Why include a village within LEAP?

LEAP has been presented as more than a collection of large industrial sites. Its long-term master plan includes a “live, work and play” component intended to support the employees, businesses and visitors the district is expected to attract.

A mixed-use village could place homes, restaurants, services and recreation closer to LEAP’s major employment centers. It could also substantially change the western edge of Lebanon, making decisions about traffic, utilities, housing density and connections to the existing community especially important.

What happens next?

Development teams will submit their qualifications and ideas to the IEDC for consideration. After reviewing the proposals, the state could select a master development partner to begin more detailed planning.

For residents, the most important details will come later: who is selected, what that team proposes, how the land would be developed in phases and what opportunities the public will have to review or comment on specific plans.

For now, the request marks an early step toward defining what the non-industrial side of the LEAP District could eventually become.

Lebanon LEAP District will continue following the proposal process and sharing new plans, timelines and public documents as they become available.