Hotel May Come to LSA(posted Apr 26) The Lafayette Square Area image appears to be improving since the Lafayette Square Area Coalition (LSAC) members grabbed the reins nearly two years ago to bring revitalization to the area. Developer Clint Fultz announced that a major hotel chain signed a purchase agreement April 24 to build a hotel in the area. Fultz refused to give details because the site needs to undergo an environmental assessment. He noted the purchase agreement contained certain clauses that would allow the buyer to opt out of the deal if some items were not conducive to build. Fultz also noted he is trying to lease Lafayette Square but would not give any more details. He is attracted to the area like other retailers because Lafayette Square is located in a very high population density. Once the quality of the environment changes, Fultz believes this will be a booming area again. LSAC President Mary Clark hoped that a future hotel would bring breakfast restaurants to the area. The breakfast restaurants rely on the hotel travelers as their source of customers. In an effort to bring customers back to the Lafayette Square Area, LSAC member Mark Killgo is organizing a business crime watch with Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department. Whether crime is a perceived or a real problem, the coalition must get a handle on the crime situation, he explained. Killgo's announcement was in sync with IUPUI's School of Public and Environmental Affairs Market Analysis. The April 24 report indicated consumers number one concern is safety in the area. A perception of crime does exist. The SPEA group recommended promoting the LSA and branding it more effectively. Many consumers are not aware that LSA has retail boundaries beyond the mall. The area still has a magnetic pull for consumers. It still attracts shoppers beyond the immediate five-mile radius. The survey reported that consumers as far as Zionsville and Terre Haute come to the area. Fifty-two percent of the shoppers come for clothing. The survey revealed that consumers were glad to see a revitalization effort is being made and would like to see high-end retail stores come into the area. Consumers also like the area' s convenience and accessibility. Northwest District IMPD Major Paul Ciesielski said the LSAC is the first business crime watch that is formally organizing. He hopes to use this organization as a model for other businesses to form groups. LSAC member Judy Donner said a marketing committee would officially start next month to help better promote the area. |
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