HomeMy WebLinkAboutPresentation SlidesCARMEL'S NEXT GREAT NEIGHBORHOOD
RATIO DESIGN CNO DISTRICT CITY OF CARMEL, IN2025
RATIO DESIGN CNO DISCTRICT CITY OF CARMEL, IN 2
What we've
heard so far
Connected
Diverse
Parks-Oriented
Water-Integration
Human-Scaled
Age-In-Place Opportunities
CARMEL'S NEXT
GREAT NEIGHBORHOOD
RATIO DESIGN CNO DISCTRICT CITY OF CARMEL, IN 3
Gabby Santiago
Social Media Manager
Age: 25
PRICE
NATURE
SAFETY
CONVENIENCE
LIFESTYLE
Diversity of Demand
Creates Vibrancy
User
Personas
CARMEL'S NEXT GREAT NEIGHBORHOOD
DEMAND
4,000 / YEAR
GROWTH 2017-21 +20,000
SUPPLY
1,500 / YEAR
750 CONT. / 700 PIPELINE
POPULATION
100,000
25 Years
25%
25-45 Years
20%
45+ Years
55%
Gabby Santiago is a 25-year-old Purdue
graduate who is a social media manager for
a tech startup. Working from home, Gabby
needs a two-room unit (one for living and one
for her home office) plus a spacious balcony
where she can host friends and parties.
Her golden retriever, Barkley, needs easy
access to safe, walkable green spaces, while
Gabby wants to be surrounded by a lively
community of people her age. She’s drawn
to neighborhoods with pilates studios, juice
bars and music venues to keep her active and
social. Ethnic food and craft coffee options
are a must, as are nearby coworking and
hotel-style business amenities for a change of
scenery during workdays. Above all, Gabby
is looking for a place that feels fun, safe, and
effortlessly social.
Mike & Hannah Smith
Civil Engineer + Teacher
Age: 30
PRICE
NATURE
SAFETY
CONVENIENCE
LIFESTYLE
Tim & Mandy Green
Retired VP of Finance +
Caretaker / Age: 65
PRICE
NATURE
SAFETY
CONVENIENCE
LIFESTYLE
Tim Green is recently retired and ready to
embrace his next chapter with his wife Mindy.
He’s looking to downsize but still wants enough
space for their grandchildren to visit. They
value a vibrant, amenity-rich community
where life feels engaging and convenient. He
wants nearby parks, a fishing spot, and even
a movie theater to enjoy with his grandkids,
along with upscale dining and nightlife options
for evenings out with Mindy and friends.
High-end retail, cultural spaces, and regular
community events are also a must, keeping
their social calendar full and connected. Tim
envisions a home where he can host family
dinners, entertain friends, or simply relax with
Mindy and a good glass of wine.
Mike and Hannah are a young married
couple who just welcomed their second
child. Hannah is a teacher at Carmel
Middle School, while Mike is a civil engineer.
With Hannah’s parents living in Carmel,
they’re eager to settle nearby and find
an affordable, entry-level home that
allows their children to grow up in a safe
neighborhood with access to strong
schools. They’re looking for a community
that offers family-friendly amenities, from
parks and children’s activities to spaces
where they can connect with other young
families. For Mike and Hannah, the right
place is a foundation for their family’s
future, balancing affordability, opportunity,
and a strong sense of community as they
evolve into a larger home in the future.
RATIO DESIGN CNO DISCTRICT CITY OF CARMEL, IN 4
CARMEL'S NEXT GREAT NEIGHBORHOOD
Kim Johnshon
Nursing Assistant
Age: 35
PRICE
NATURE
SAFETY
CONVENIENCE
LIFESTYLE
Dom & Mia Fleet
Former Ind. Worker +
Teacher / Age: 55
PRICE
NATURE
SAFETY
CONVENIENCE
LIFESTYLE
Kim Johnson is a 35-year-old nursing
assistant who wants to move closer to
her job at The Barrington assisted care
facility in Carmel with access to continuing
education opportunities. She’s currently
living in Lebanon, and the commute is
taking a strain on her family. She’s raising an
energetic 2-year-old daughter, Michelle,
and navigating the balance between
family, career, and personal time. With long,
irregular shifts, Kim needs housing close to
the facility, that’s affordable on her salary
and feels safe and secure for single mom
with a toddler. She values having easy
access to daycare, shopping, and cultural
activities like the library. Because of her
schedule, having convenient options for life’s
basic needs is essential. On her days off, Kim
seeks fun, engaging things to do as a family.
Dom and Mia Fleet are a married couple
navigating a new chapter in life. Dom, a
former industrial worker, suffered an accident
that left him with ongoing health issues
requiring assisted care. Mia, a dedicated
teacher, can no longer provide full-time care
for Dom on her own, so they’re seeking a
one-story condo with assisted living services
nearby and the option for continuum-of-care
housing as Dom’s needs evolve. While they
have some savings, their budget is limited,
so affordability is a key factor. Mia values
maintaining an active, social lifestyle and
wants a neighborhood where she and Dom
can continue enjoying activities together—
whether it’s walking, joining community
events, or connecting with neighbors.
For them, the right home isn’t just about
accessibility and support, it’s about finding a
place that allows them to age with dignity,
connection, and shared experiences.
RATIO DESIGN CNO DISCTRICT CITY OF CARMEL, IN 5
CARMEL'S NEXT GREAT NEIGHBORHOOD
Jason & Grace Lui
Anesthesiologist
Age: 45
PRICE
NATURE
SAFETY
CONVENIENCE
LIFESTYLE
Jason and Grace Lui are an anesthesiologist and a stay-
at-home caretaker raising two kids (8-year-old Emma and
14-year-old Sam) while also caring for Grace’s 75-year-old
mother, Lily. Jason is relocating here to work at IU North Hospital,
bringing seasoned experience and talent to his role. As a
multigenerational family, they’re looking for a 4-bedroom
home in a community that supports connection, growth,
and wellbeing for everyone. Top priorities include access to
excellent schools, safe outdoor spaces, and a welcoming,
active neighborhood where they can meet people on walks
and feel part of a vibrant, social environment. They’d love
community gardens, bike paths for Emma, and hangout spots
for Sam and his friends. Most importantly, they value easy
access to nature and a place where they can walk often, stay
active, and feel truly connected to their neighbors.
RATIO DESIGN CNO DISCTRICT CITY OF CARMEL, IN 6
CARMEL'S NEXT GREAT NEIGHBORHOOD
RATIO DESIGN CNO DISCTRICT CITY OF CARMEL, IN 7
How we
interpret
what we've
heard
-Walkable
-No (or very little) surface parking
Minimize parking structures
-Engage the water
-Integrate meaningful + thoughtfully
programmed parks and spaces
-Authentic
FUNDAMENTAL PRINCIPALS
RATIO DESIGN CNO DISCTRICT CITY OF CARMEL, IN 8
Inventory
& Analysis
EXISTING MULTI-USE PATHS
MONON TRAIL
FUTURE CONNECTIONS
CARMEL CREEK
PARKS
CNO DISTRICT
PONDS
WATERSHED
INVENTORY & ANALYSIS
MO
N
O
N
T
R
A
I
L
MAIN STREET
116TH STREET
WATERSHED 440 ACRES
GU
I
L
F
O
R
D
R
O
A
D
SP
R
I
N
G
M
I
L
L
R
O
A
D
AUTUMN DRIVE TRAIL
CNO DISTRICT
CENTRAL PARK
CITY CENTER DRIVE
VETERANS PARK
CARMEL CREEK
RATIO DESIGN CNO DISCTRICT CITY OF CARMEL, IN 9
Gateway
CONCEPT
The area serves as the GATEWAY
to Carmel, defined by the
pervasive surface parking lots
on the west and the resultant
detention areas to the east.
RATIO DESIGN CNO DISCTRICT CITY OF CARMEL, IN 10
Edges
CONCEPT
The EDGES clearly define a
larger district as defined by large
apartment complexes to the
north and east and the evolving
Meridian Corridor to the west.
An aperture of connectivity exists
at the intersection of City Center
and Carmel Drives.
RATIO DESIGN CNO DISCTRICT CITY OF CARMEL, IN 11
Nature
CONCEPT
The by-product of the vast
surface parking lots are the large
utilitarian detention areas that are
pervasive in the area. With the
strong presence of water, mature
trees and green space a pleasant
presence of NATURE defines the
eastern edge of the area.
RATIO DESIGN CNO DISCTRICT CITY OF CARMEL, IN 12
Evolutionary
Planning
CONCEPT
The area was farmland 30
years ago and the current
parcelization is the byproduct of
EVOLUTIONARY sales over time,
lacking a historical urban fabric.
The parcels will evolve to future
higher and better uses at the
same irregular rate.
RATIO DESIGN CNO DISCTRICT CITY OF CARMEL, IN 13
Framework
CONCEPT
The scale of the CNO Masterplan
provides a central foundational
opportunity to establish a network
of streets for the area. The
consolidation of the detention
areas into a singular recreational
amenity can provide the armature
that unifies the disparate parcels
and create a FRAMEWORK for
future growth.
RATIO DESIGN CNO DISCTRICT CITY OF CARMEL, IN 14
Districts
CONCEPT
The overlay of the urban fabric
with the nature-inspired water
presence can create an identity
for the larger area, living with
Nature. This theme can be
applied to create a variety of
thematic DISTRICTS based on
their relationship to the central
natural theme.
RATIO DESIGN CNO DISCTRICT CITY OF CARMEL, IN 15
The Woodlands
Houston, TX
PRECEDENTS
RATIO DESIGN CNO DISCTRICT CITY OF CARMEL, IN 16
Comparison of Scale
PRECEDENTS
THE WOODLANDS HOUSTON, TX CNO DISTRICT
3,692 FT 3,057 FT
PRECEDENTS
RATIO DESIGN CNO DISCTRICT CITY OF CARMEL, IN 17
Housing
Recreation
RATIO DESIGN CNO DISCTRICT CITY OF CARMEL, IN 18
Outdoor Dining Performance VenueDog Park
PRECEDENTS
RATIO DESIGN CNO DISCTRICT CITY OF CARMEL, IN 19
Trails KayakingPlayground
Recreation
PRECEDENTS
RATIO DESIGN CNO DISCTRICT CITY OF CARMEL, IN 20
Water Feature Ecologic Aquatic EdgeFishing
Recreation
PRECEDENTS
RATIO DESIGN CNO DISCTRICT CITY OF CARMEL, IN 21
Urban Park Activities
Recreation
PRECEDENTS
RATIO DESIGN CNO DISCTRICT CITY OF CARMEL, IN 22
Commercial
PRECEDENTS
RATIO DESIGN CNO DISCTRICT CITY OF CARMEL, IN 23
Commercial
PRECEDENTS
RATIO DESIGN CNO DISCTRICT CITY OF CARMEL, IN 24
Commercial
PRECEDENTS
RATIO DESIGN CNO DISCTRICT CITY OF CARMEL, IN 25
Commercial
PRECEDENTS
Streets
Framework
RATIO DESIGN CNO DISCTRICT CITY OF CARMEL, IN 26
Streets
Parcels
RATIO DESIGN CNO DISCTRICT CITY OF CARMEL, IN 27
Framework
Streets
Parcels
Parks
RATIO DESIGN CNO DISCTRICT CITY OF CARMEL, IN 28
Framework
Streets
Parcels
Water
Parks
RATIO DESIGN CNO DISCTRICT CITY OF CARMEL, IN 29
Framework
Streets
Buildings
Parcels
Water
Parks
RATIO DESIGN CNO DISCTRICT CITY OF CARMEL, IN 30
Framework
RATIO DESIGN CNO DISCTRICT CITY OF CARMEL, IN 31
THE LANDING
THE FORUM
COMMERCIAL
1,100,000 SF
RESIDENTIAL
500,000 SF
OFFICE
HOTEL
MEETINGS
RETAIL
CIVIC
CULTURAL
THE PIER
RESIDENTIAL
1,00,000 SF
RETAIL
ENTERTAINMENT
RECREATION
The Forum
An urban village anchored by
culture, housing, and civic space.
Compact and walkable, The Forum
is shaped by narrow streets, public
plazas, and cultural destinations.
This neighborhood brings together
residential living with civic and retail
amenities, all centered around a
landmark plaza and fountain.
The Landing
A business district redefined
by livability & civic presence.
Serving as the commercial heart of the
development, The Landing supports the
evolving Meridian Corridor. Anchored
by a flexible multi-purpose park, this
district blends hospitality, retail, office,
and civic life within a connected,
walkable environment.
• Mixed residential types
• Entertainment and dining
• Urban greenways & trails
• Waterfront park and amphitheater
• Offices
• Hotels and retail
• Flexible civic plaza and event space
• Active day-to-night street life
• Mixed-use residential
• Civic and community gathering spaces
• Cultural venues & retail frontages
• Public plazas and urban edges Th
e
F
o
r
u
m
The Landing
Th
e
P
i
e
r
The Pier
A waterfront neighborhood
where nature softens urban life.
The Pier centers around a signature
residential pier, a vibrant waterfront
destination created by reimagining the
regional stormwater system as a lively,
urbanized water feature. Trails, plazas,
and green corridors link a diverse
range of homes with entertainment,
retail, and recreation.
Optional Convention Hotel Use
In Lieu of Event Center
The Pier
P1 Housing + Retail
P2 Housing + Retail
P3 Housing + Retail
P4 Housing + Retail
P5 Housing + Retail
P6 Housing + Retail
P7 Hotel
P8 Park + Tree Preservation
P9 Park + Amphitheater
The Landing
L1 Hotel
L2 Hotel
L3 Hotel
L4 Office
L5 Retail
L6 Retail
L7 Park + Plaza
The Forum
F1 Housing + Retail
F2 Housing + Retail
F3 Housing + Retail
F4 Housing + Retail
F5 Housing + Retail
F6 Civic
F7 Hotel
L1 P1
P3 P9
P2
P8
F1
L2
F2
L3
F3
L6
L7
F6
F7
L4 P4 P5 P6 P7
F4
L5
F5
RATIO DESIGN CNO DISCTRICT CITY OF CARMEL, IN 32
Districts
RATIO DESIGN CNO DISCTRICT CITY OF CARMEL, IN 33
RATIO DESIGN CNO DISCTRICT CITY OF CARMEL, IN 34
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CARMEL'S NEXT GREAT NEIGHBORHOOD
RATIO DESIGN CNO DISTRICT CITY OF CARMEL, IN2025