Project focuses on utility
work
By Erica Sagon
Asst.
City Editor
Although Wabash Landing
has made no visible progress lately, according to Stephen Belter, president
of the West Lafayette Redevelopment Commission, utility work along Brown
Street is pushing the development of the project.
Wabash Landing is
the multi—million dollar retail and residential complex that is under
construction in the Levee.
The installation
of new sewer and storm drainage systems are part of the reason for the
rugged condition of Brown Street, according to Mayor Sonya Margerum.
Underground electrical
wires, water pipes and cable are also being installed.
Margerum said the
utility work should be finished by the end of next week, but Brown Street
will remain torn up for some time until it is covered with new pavement.
Herman Renfro, the
Indianapolis—based developer of the project, said he is waiting for
two leases to be signed before funding for phase one is released. Businesses
such as Fazoli's, De Fuego Mexican restaurant, Panera Bread, Cellular
Express, Hat World, University Spirit and Goodrich Quality Theaters are
some of the businesses that have already signed leases and will be part
of phase one to be completed to be completed by Thanksgiving of 2000.
Renfro said the theater's
projected date of completion is May 19, earlier than the original Memorial
Day weekend deadline. Renfro said they pushed back the deadline to accommodate
the release of movies that are expected to do well in theaters.
The demolition of
Archie's Car Wash and Noble Roman's Pizza, both on Brown Street in the
Levee, will make way for the theater's parking lot.
"We're pleased with
our progress and the fact that we're on schedule," Renfro said.
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