Why Urban Infill?

Often, the term “urban infill” is used in conjunction with Milhaus developments. But, what does it mean and why is it important?

According to the Sustainable Cities Institute, urban infill refers to any new development that in essence, fills in a gap in an existing neighborhood. But it’s more than that. It can be an economic driver, especially when the development is mixed-use, incorporating both residential and commercial space. The development can increase economic diversity by bringing in new businesses.

There is also an environmental impact. By increasing the number of residents in an urban setting, it reduces energy use. The new residents are more likely to use public transportation, existing infrastructure and simply walk more than in suburban neighborhoods. Reduced energy use also benefits the global community as well.

A third impact is on the community itself. If the land was underutilized or an eyesore, it helps improve the neighborhood and increases the potential for additional renovation and rejuvenation of the area. New construction and activity increases others’ interest in doing the same.

One of Milhaus’ first developments was Artistry, which is now a symbol of what we stand for as a company. What was once an eye-sore is now a symbol of conscious living and a chance for hundreds of people to live, work and play within walking distance of so many places in the Cole-Noble District in downtown Indianapolis.

In 2014, it received the Best Mixed Use Project of the Year award by the Indiana chapter of NAIOP, the Commercial Real Estate Development Association. Several reasons were cited including becoming LEED certified, incorporating high-density office space and the ultimately the reuse of the abandoned two-story bank check processing facility into a five-story mixed-use development.

“Urban infill is a benefit to the local, national and global communities, not just the immediate area,” said Greg McHenry, director of development, Milhaus. “By enhancing the economy, reducing energy use and jumpstarting additional development, urban infill is a very important part of creating sustainable neighborhoods.”