ON THE BOARDS: ONYX+EAST NEIGHBORHOOD

Motivated by the vision for a walkable, European-scale central business district, the city of Carmel is exploring the development of a centrally located parcel adjacent to the iconic Monon Trail Rails-to-Trails redevelopment.

Working with a local developer, Woolpert proposed a mixed-density residential neighborhood anchored by the pedestrian-friendly Veterans Way. With wide sidewalks and tree-lined medians reminiscent of broad European boulevards, the Onyx+East neighborhood is bounded by townhomes and small three- and four-story apartment buildings. This block presents a compact, old-world feel, encourages foot traffic, prioritizes “front-door” green spaces and public courtyards, and positions parking where it will not disrupt pedestrian flow.

A lower-density row of single-family homes borders the Monon Trail and evokes a classic American “front-porch” feel. These compact dwellings update the traditional neighborhood street with a more contemporary architectural style. The mixture of home types throughout the neighborhood encourages a generationally diverse mixture of young professionals, families and seniors—all benefiting from easy walkability and countless local amenities.