Changes, at least on paper, are underway for the property at 124 S. Main Street — also known as the corner of Fox Lane and Main Street in Newcastle. The property will soon be known as Town Center Plaza.
The City purchased the property recently and during a Council meeting on Monday, March 10 approved a preliminary plat for the land, as well as changed zoning from Community Commercial District to a Planned Unit Development (PUD). By doing so, the City Council will have more control over how Town Center Plaza will appear. They also approved additional platting and design services through FSB Engineering.
The City describes the project as a City of Newcastle Master Planned Development that will have a “cohesive overall design and aesthetic, both in structures and landscaping, and a pleasing and inviting commercial community.”
They are placing specifications on the property which will serve as minimum guidelines and standards for builders and lessees in the design, planning and construction of their buildings, plazas and sidewalks. They plan for historic Main Street architecture, along with modern day architecture.
City officials said this is expected to be a commercial community for Newcastle residents to be proud of, and help create identity throughout the community.
In discussing the property in the past, Newcastle Mayor Karl Nail said the City has a significant number of retail users who are looking in Newcastle for property, but a lot of the land has been tightly held with owners reluctant to sell. He added that the City will benefit long-term by the sales taxes these new businesses will generate.
