Bargersville Plans for New Downtown Housing Developments to Keep Up with Growth
A proposed 3,200-unit development at the core of Bargersville could transform the town and spur economic growth, drawing new businesses and residents to Johnson County’s fastest-growing community.
The Bargersville Plan Commission recently introduced the Pulte Iron Horse development, a planned 873-acre community featuring a mix of residential and commercial properties along State Road 135, Old Plank Road, and State Road 144. While no votes were taken, town officials emphasized the importance of carefully planning the project to ensure long-term benefits.
The project site is near the already-approved Meadowbrook planned unit development and the existing Three Notch neighborhood. Meadowbrook is expected to add 412 homes and town homes, and five commercial blocks to the area.
Town Manager Dax Norton called the development a “generational project” with the potential to redefine Bargersville’s economic landscape. “We cannot get this wrong,” Norton told The Daily Journal. Norton emphasized the town’s intent to proceed at its own pace to ensure the project aligns with Bargersville's vision.
With the influx of new residents, local businesses could see increased demand for goods and services, creating opportunities for expansion and new business ventures. The commercial component of Pulte Iron Horse, developed in partnership with Louth Local Development, aims to attract retailers, office spaces, and mixed-use businesses that complement the town’s growing population.
“This is a big change for anybody that lives in Bargersville now,” Norton said in the article. “Our timeline is very important here to get it right.”
Officials are also considering additional infrastructure improvements, including a downtown extension plan and a thoroughfare master plan, to support the growth. The Bargersville Redevelopment Commission is expected to review plans for a mixed-use project at the site of the former flea market near S.R. 135.
While town officials acknowledge the scale of the project, they are focused on balancing development with the existing character of Bargersville.
“This is the opportunity to develop a look and a feel that actually expresses the character of Bargersville,” said Plan Commission member Jeff Sickmeier in the Daily Journal article.
The development is undergoing several approval steps, including a public hearing and plan commission review before moving to the town council. Officials are encouraging public input to help shape the vision of the town’s future.
“Essentially, we are inviting you to the table to help us realize what our vision as a town is for what this could be,” Sickmeier said.
Pulte Iron Horse is expected to become Bargersville’s largest development project bringing thousands of new residents, boosting the local economy and positioning it as a key growth hub in Johnson County.