SCHERERVILLE | Developer Bruce Boyer said he hopes construction of the Shops on Main development will begin in April.
The highly anticipated project took a step in that direction Monday.
The Plan Commission recommended changing the development's zoning from highway commercial to a planned unit development. Preliminary subdivision approval for the project also was granted.
The zone change request now moves to the Town Council for its consideration. Secondary subdivision approval also is required from the Plan Commission, said Boyer, of Boyer Properties.
Both requests could be granted next month.
On Monday, Boyer said he couldn't disclose the businesses that will locate in Shops on Main. Town leaders have said they expect high-end retail and restaurants in the development.
Although businesses haven't been revealed, Boyer explained plans for the buildings that would be constructed in the development near the southeast corner of U.S. 41 and Main Street.
He said the anchor building would have five individual tenants. Space used by those tenants would range from 10,000 square feet to 50,000 square feet, Boyer said.
Each of the storefronts would have a different facade that would be unique to each of the tenants, he said. Boyer said some buildings on the property will be visible in all directions, so he will make sure the appearance of those structures will be "attractive on all four sides."
During the first phase of the project, several buildings will be constructed. Boyer said parking areas for the entire development and road improvements on U.S. 41 and Main Street also will occur during the initial phase.
The road improvements include widening Main Street and adding a traffic signal on the road, he said.
The Town Council authorized tax increment financing districts last year for the project. Town leaders are expected to discuss the financing during a special Redevelopment Commission meeting March 6.
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