Spotlight on Plainfield

Written by Marlon Webb, Senior Director, Regional Economic Development, Indy Partnership

With over six decades of collective experience, Town Council President Robin Brandgard and Town Manager Andrew Klinger have witnessed Plainfield and Hendricks County evolve into one of the fastest-growing communities in the state. Plainfield has been fortunate to benefit from consistent leadership with the foresight to foster the town's current growth trajectory. Additionally, they are focused on future growth and development opportunities, particularly within the pillars of Accelerate Indy, the Indy Chamber’s regional economic development strategy—business, talent, place, and image.

The Indy Chamber spoke with these two leaders at the first of our Spotlight On Series in the newly constructed Hendricks Live!, the town's performing arts center. The initial shows announced have already sold out within days of posting, underscoring the significance of arts and culture and Plainfield's role in fulfilling a void on the west side of Indianapolis. The allure of areas with leisure opportunities is evident, and Plainfield's continued expansion ensures ongoing community growth.

Place has long been a crucial aspect for the town, with expansions in trail systems and the Richard A. Carlucci Recreation & Aquatic Center, which has remained consistently popular for over 20 years. The success of these amenities emphasizes Plainfield's commitment to regionalism, originally built to accommodate local growth but has always attracted visitors and potential residents due to the Town’s offerings.

Regarding talent, Plainfield addresses workforce challenges and opportunities. MADE@Plainfield, a highly successful workforce facility, continues to attract talent to the community. Businesses are drawn to the area due to this asset, located north of the high school, providing space for upskilling and training workforces to meet market demands.

Attracting companies based on workforce development necessitates a focus on residential areas for new talent. New City Development’s Hobbs Station project aims to address this by creating a $300 million mixed-use community on the town’s east end, featuring apartments, single-family homes, commercial space, and green areas. This forward-looking initiative contributes to Plainfield's population growth vision, with 2,000 new homes anticipated from this development alone, complemented by another 1,000 homes through Olthof's residential project.

These developments reflect the recognition of Plainfield's growth and potential by businesses, individuals, and developers. Plainfield has designated an additional 200-acre area for a future life sciences park, building on the presence of existing life sciences companies in their industrial park, such as Lilly, LifeNet Health, and Azenta Life Sciences. Further growth opportunities extend to 1,200 acres south of I-70 and areas to the west of town, including plans for mixed-use developments and a 1,700-acre nature park.

Plainfield's ongoing efforts, guided by its leadership, contribute to the region's prospects for success, aligning with the collective goals of all communities to attract future investment and residents. These joint endeavors elevate Indy as a premier destination for talent and opportunity, benefiting the entire region.