New development replacing vacant Broad Ripple Kroger

The $70 million development is called “Versa” and will have 233 apartment units and 3,600 square feet of ground-floor retail space with an outdoor patio.

Original Link https://www.wthr.com/article/news/local/mixed-use-development-replacing-vacant-broad-ripple-kroger-store/

Author: Lauren Kostiuk
Published: 7:06 PM EDT May 11, 2023
Updated: 7:06 PM EDT May 11, 2023

INDIANAPOLIS — After sitting vacant for years, the old Broad Ripple Kroger is officially being torn down to make way for a new mixed-use development.  

The lot sits on Guilford Avenue, just off Broad Ripple Avenue.  

Local developers Milhaus, Gershman Partners and Citimark broke ground on the project Thursday. The $70 million development is called “Versa” and will have 233 apartment units and 3,600 square feet of ground-floor retail space with an outdoor patio.

“Developing a new community in Broad Ripple Village was an obvious choice for Milhaus as soon as Gershman and Citimark approached us about the project. The village embodies so many of our key values, bringing walkability and an urban feel to residents, showcasing local artists and elevating the local community,” said Brad Vogelsmeier, Milhaus vice president of development. 

Currently, there are several other high rises in the area, but the Broad Ripple Village Association said there’s still a lot of demand. 

“Most of them are at max or close to max capacity, so there is, despite what people might believe, there’s a desire to still be here,” said Jordan Dillon, the executive director of BRVA.

The Versa development will have 233 apartment units and 3,600 square feet of ground-floor retail space with an outdoor patio.

Many also hope the development will make the area safer, with one less vacant lot.  

“It naturally promotes safer streets at all times and all hours of the day,” said Indianapolis Mayor Joe Hogsett. 

“The more development and the more use of empty space that we can put in the village, the more quickly we are able to meet our mission of having a very safe and vibrant village and community,” Dillon said. 

Others are concerned the identity of the village is changing with large developers coming in.  

“It’s probably like 1,200 bucks to live there,” said Jonathon Hall.  

“The neighborhood people are getting pushed out,” said Maia Blazek. 

The village association believes it can do both.  

“We can be funky and we can be sleek at the same time. We can have larger buildings and still have our smaller businesses and bungalow homes in the area,” Dillon said.  

With more people moving in, businesses are also excited about new customers.  

“Excited that the lot is going to be turned into something. It was a parking lot for a while and now it’s just vacant and a waste of space in a town and place where there’s not much space to be had in the first place,” said Julian Orem, general manager of Ripple Bagel & Deli. “We will have more business opportunities coming to town and bringing more people to be part of the community.” 

DKGR Takes Top Honor at Indy Chamber’s Monumental Awards

Indy Chamber Announces 45th Annual Monumental Award Winners

via https://indychamber.com/news/dkgr-takes-top-honor-at-indy-chambers-monumental-awards/

Ind. (Oct. 6, 2022)— DKGR Architects took home the highest honor of the Monumental Award for their work on the 16 Tech Innovation District at the Indy Chamber’s annual Monumental Awards. The Indy Chamber showcased regional entries to celebrate excellence in the built environment among the nine counties, Boone, Hamilton, Hancock, Hendricks, Johnson, Madison, Marion, Morgan, and Shelby.

The winner of the Monumental Award was selected by an impartial jury of community and professional leaders from the Indianapolis region.

Each year, the Monumental Awards recognize the most significant achievements by individuals and businesses contributing to excellence in architecture, engineering, interior design, landscape architecture, construction, real estate development, neighborhood revitalization, innovative reuse, and public art throughout the Indianapolis region. It was the third year the award ceremony took place at the historic Tibbs Drive-In Theater on the west side of Indianapolis, leveraging neighborhood assets for a more interactive event.

All awards were deliberated by sanctioning organizations selected from the specific area of discipline for each category.

Other award winners included:

• Architecture: 16 Tech Innovation District HqO submitted by DKGR

• Construction: Indianapolis Consolidated Civil and Criminal Courthouse submitted by F.A. Wilhelm Construction

• Engineering: Indianapolis Consolidated Civil and Criminal Courthouse submitted by Schmidt Associates

• Innovative Reuse: 16 Tech Innovation District HqO submitted by DKGR

• Interior Design: Barnes & Thornburg Vault Room Renovation submitted by CSO

• Landscape Architecture:  Grand Junction Plaza submitted by City of Westfield

• Neighborhood Revitalization: 38th & Sheridan Cook/Goodwill submitted by Cook Property Inc.

• Public Art: World’s Fastest submitted by the Indy Arts Council

• Real Estate Development: Tinner Park Development submitted by Onyx+East

• People’s Choice: The Cabaret submitted by Ratio

The 45th annual Indy Chamber Monumental Awards supported Monumental Film sponsor TopShot Aerial Photography, Construction category sponsor Quality Connection of Central Indiana, Neighborhood Revitalization category sponsor Hirons, and Entertainment sponsor DJ Helicon.

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About the Indy Chamber

The Indy Chamber is honored to be named the 2021 ACCE Chamber of the Year for their hard work and dedication to the Indy Region. We serve as a voice of progress and improvement in the region, uniting business and community to maintain a strong economy and quality of life. Our advocacy efforts, networking events, economic development initiatives, and other member benefits position members, business leaders, and the community for success. Indy has what it takes to be a world-class region where innovation meets performance. The Indy Chamber is here to realize that potential to its fullest.

Impact!

Don’t forget to tune in tonight* for the premiere of Impact with Gal Gadot! The docuseries features 6 women who have overcome adversity to lift up not only themselves but those around them. See their inspiring stories starting tonight on NatGeo’s Youtube Channel.

Meet Kayla, who has dedicated her life to helping homeless transgender women of color in Memphis, Tennessee. Having experienced homelessness and violence herself, Kayla has created a safe community for these notoriously discriminated-against people. She is building more than two dozen houses across Memphis for transwomen that need safety and a place to call home.

*First episode streaming now!

Housing Equity in Memphis

The first MSH duplex in Memphis, Tennessee

DKGR would like to congratulate Kayla and MSH on this major milestone in their essential mission.

My Sistah’s House has broken ground on the first of twenty duplex units envisioned by founder Kayla Gore. Since June 2020, DKGR has collaborated with MSH and their Housing Justice Committee to prioritize affordable, accessible, high-performance, and trauma-informed housing solutions for Black and Brown Trans women and Gender Non-conforming individuals in Memphis.

DKGR supports the MSH mission and project to provide home ownership opportunities for those who face chronic homelessness compounded by targeted gender and sexuality violence.

We would also like to congratulate and thank Dwayne A. Jones Construction Company for providing invaluable technical expertise and overall construction on this project. 

Coming Fall 2021, a new National Geographic six-part docuseries, ‘Impact,’ produced by Gal Gadot and Jaron Varsano will celebrate and feature My Sistah’s House and their mission for Housing Equity in Memphis.

To find out more about the project contact MSH. 

Gal Gadot’s Instagram Announcement: https://www.instagram.com/p/CJeU0Yhh7Ns/

Support MSH’s Mission: https://www.gofundme.com/f/mshmemphis

Other Media:

USA Today

Focus Mid-South

Author Jasmine Wright is DKGR’s Project Lead and is an Intern Architect and Technical Integration Specialist with the firm.

16 Tech Launches Innovation Hub

HqO Innovation Hub

The 16 Tech HqO (Hub) is on its way with over 100,000 SF of mixed use community space.  

The adaptive re-use development of the former Citizens Energy office and service garage creates one of the most dynamic cross-disciplinary districts in the country centered entirely around fostering innovation of various market sectors.

DKGR is proud to lead the design effort for this project alongside 16 Tech and a great team of partners.

AMP Artisan Marketplace

Upland Brewing in Fountain Square to open Tuesday, July 30th

Congratulations to our friends at Upland Brewing Company on opening their Fountain Square location on Tuesday, July 30th, 2019. Upland will be officially opening the location starting with lunch a couple of days ahead of the Grand Opening Celebration. We can wholeheartedly recommend Turchetti’s Nduja plate appetizer and the Hot Chicken Sandwich with Three Carrots Seitan, both created in partnership with our local culinary entrepreneurs.

DKGR is excited to welcome the good folks from Upland to the Fountain Square neighborhood.

Occupancy Classifications for Breweries and Taprooms

Any brewery taproom will have space for patrons and beer: countertop bars, tap rooms, restaurant dining rooms, private tasting rooms, open beer halls, private event or banquet halls, and/or entertainment areas. Depending on your brand and facility capabilities - there may be an outdoor beer garden or the taproom may accommodate brewery tours. There will be restrooms, storage and may be employee break, conference, office, kitchen and wait staff space. Classifying the various programmed spaces allows us to determine occupancies, required separations and occupant loads.

Looking to design a new brewery taproom, distillery, restaurant or renovate your existing facility? 

Let's work together. 

Defining the Program and Establishing Occupancy Classifications

As the program is defined, we are able to determine the Occupancy Classifications. Projects in Indiana are governed by the 2014 Indiana Building Code (IBC) which is comprised of the 2012 International Building Code. 

Brewery taprooms may have a few assembly spaces: Assembly occupancy is defined by the IBC as “the use of a building or structure, or a portion thereof, for the gathering of persons for purposes such as civic, social or religious functions; recreation, food or drink consumption or awaiting transportation.”

For taprooms, this is typically Assembly Group A-2: “Assembly uses intended for food and/or drink consumption including, but not limited to: Banquet halls, Casinos (gaming areas), Nightclubs, Restaurants, cafeterias and similar dining facilities (including associated commercial kitchens), Taverns and bars”

At Upland Fountain Square in Indianapolis we designed a large beer cooler (almost 400sf) at the core of the assembly space - front and rear bar areas and two outdoor service windows surround the cooler, which facilitates keg storage, taplines, merchandising and service doors, tap menus, television mounting and glassware shelving. 

Upland Fountain Square Entrance

In Indiana, restaurants that allow minors and serve beer must separate those areas as part of 905 IAC 1-41-2 Separation of rooms: “the separation of the bar area from the dining area, where minors may be served, may be a structure or barrier that reasonably deters free access and egress without requirement for doors or gates” There are additional food sale minimum requirements to allow for the separation. 

Rail Separation at Indiana City Brewing Co., Indianapolis

If brewing is done on premises the Brewhouse may be classified as Low-Hazard Factory, F-2: “Factory industrial uses that involve the fabrication or manufacturing of noncombustible materials which during finishing, packing or processing do not involve a significant fire hazard shall be classified as F-2 occupancies and shall include, but not be limited to, the following: Beverages: up to and including 16-percent alcohol content”

Upland Brewing Co.

There may be a retail area selling brewery-branded merchandise, depending on the size of that area it may be classified as Mercantile, M: “the use of a building or structure or a portion thereof, for the display and sale of merchandise and involves stocks of goods, wares or merchandise incidental to such purposes and accessible to the public.”

Harpoon Brewery Retail Area

Barrel-aging may be a part of the brewing program, barrel storage possibly requiring Low-Hazard Storage, S classification: “the use of a building or structure, or a portion thereof, for storage that is not classified as a hazardous occupancy... Includes, among others, buildings used for the storage of noncombustible materials such as products on wood pallets or in paper cartons with or without single thickness divisions; or in paper wrappings.”

Barrel storage at breweries is often S-2 for storage of “Beverages up to and including 16-percent alcohol in metal, glass or ceramic containers”

Depending on the height of the barrels/racks, high pile storage requirements could be in place. 

Upland Brewing Wood Shop Barrel Storage

There are often administrative office or employee areas that may be classified as Business Group B occupancy: “the use of a building or structure, or a portion thereof, for office, professional or service-type transactions, including storage of records and accounts.”

Some breweries, such as the BrewDog DogHouse in Columbus, Ohio have incorporated hotel rooms (and museum space) into their campuses, potentially requiring a Residential Group R classification for: “the use of a building or structure, or a portion thereof, for sleeping purposes when not classified as an Institutional Group I or when not regulated by the International Residential Code.”

BrewDog DogHouse Room

Occupancy classification plays a key part in organizing and prescribing the appropriate protection measures. As such, threshold requirements for fire protection and means of egress systems are based on occupancy classification. 

Upland Fountain Square Private Event Room Concept

Images shown via:

http://thehopreview.com/

https://www.brewdog.com/usa/doghouse

https://indianabrewreview.com

http://rakks.com

http://craftbeercast.com

This Web Site, its content (including any information provided by users) is for informational purposes only and is not intended to replace or substitute for any professional code or other advice. In addition to the “Disclaimer/Limitation on Liability” paragraph above, the Company Entities and Individuals make no representations or warranties and expressly disclaim any and all liability concerning any treatment or action by any person following the information offered or provided within or through the Web Site. If you have specific concerns or a situation in which you require professional advice, you should consult with an appropriately trained and qualified code specialist.

A Growing Problem: Taking Control of Food Security

DKGR is using Rapid Prototyping and Iterative Design to help combat Food Deserts on the Near East Side of Indianapolis. With the recent loss of Pogue’s Run Co-op, the availability of fresh, healthy food in the area was drastically decreased.

Moving Forward 2.0, itself a prototype, is a housing program from IHCDA with a goal of combating generational poverty by lowering the total cost of housing, transportation, education and nutrition. Partnered with CAGI, John Boner Neighborhood Centers, the City of Indianapolis, and TWG Development, DKGR began to explore options for on-site agriculture to produce 10% of a family’s required Daily Nutritional Value.

While many effective, modular systems exist for commercial growing, these systems can be expensive, expansive, and inflexible. The system needed to be able to produce mature plants, microgreens, and start seeds while being simple to use and low maintenance. Additionally, the system needs to be flexible and grow with its user.

Inspired by the efficiency of certain leaf cells for both spatial regulation and intercellular transport, DKGR’s design took on an elongated hexagonal shape that allows for up to 8 units in 1 square foot of space.

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Conceptual Prototype Design

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Prototype Design Development

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FDM Prototype Production

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Finished Prototype

The modular system includes built-in hose connectors to enable it to be used in all styles of indoor growing including Wick Systems, Deep Water Culture, Drip and Drain, Aeroponics and as a component in Aquaponics Systems. This will allow the system to be used, not only for food production, but for teaching and learning.

Prolific Indiana Brewery Coming to Fountain Square

We here at DKGR are excited to welcome Upland's new downtown Indy location.  Located at the site of the former Value Village in Fountain Square, the Upland crew had a well-defined vision for the space they wanted, which we were happy to help polish.  Shout out to Pete, Adam, David and Paddy for enabling an engaging, collaborative design effort.

P.S. - If you haven't tried Upland's award-winning sour beers, we recommend you drop everything to go grab one.  

www.uplandbeer.com

DKGR's visualization of the new Upland Location

The Value of the Right Space: Innovatemap

For those of us that live our lives in and around a creative industry, we know all to well that our client base can widely vary when it comes to creative alignment, business objectives and, most importantly, a sincere appreciation for design.  An appreciation can drive all facets of decision making and contribute to an understanding of how design can positively permeate the heart and soul of an organization when thoughtfully executed.  Working alongside one of the premier product agency's in the Indianapolis area, the team at Innovatemap, has been an ideal partner in the design of their new HQ in Broad Ripple. Congrats to the entire team and read more about them below.

Via Techpoint

New Life at Anco in Valpo

Congratulations to the Flaherty & Collins / Journeyman Distillery team for their big win on the Valparaiso Transit Area Development Project RFP.

This is a rare opportunity to introduce a vibrant new district to a Northwest Indiana city well-poised for a downtown resurgence.

Journeyman Distillery and DKGR's vision for a new Valparaiso Facility.

Indiana's first Net-Positive Energy Multifamily Building* to open Saturday

Federal, State, Local and Community Officials cut the ribbon

On Saturday, October 1st, Federal, State, Local, and Community officials joined Englewood CDC and their partners as they opened what is prescribed to be Indiana's first Net-Positive Energy apartment building.  With individual unit HERS Ratings approaching -20 (indicating positive energy), the group is confident the building will perform to the difficult to achieve standard. 

The project utilized standard green technologies like Solar PV, LED Lighting, and Natural Daylighting/Shading, as well as innovative technologies like Flat-Plate Solar Collectors, Transpired Solar Collectors and Variable Speed ASHP Heating and Cooling.  

Paired with conservation and consumption strategies that encourage the efficient use of energy, these technologies will allow Oxford Place to achieve what has not yet been accomplished in the State of Indiana.  

Congratulations to Englewood, TWG Development and all their partners.

DKGR's Net-Positive Strategy

*Net Positive verification pending one-year operating period.