Land developers continue to flock to Shelby County, spurred by strong economic development, the need to house a potential growth in the workforce, and the modern redevelopment of Shelbyville’s Public Square.

On Monday at the City of Shelbyville’s Common Council meeting, real estate developer Birge & Held is the latest to arrive with the proposed creation of “The Mill”—a $34 million mixed income development that would have both commercial and residential components just north of downtown Shelbyville.

The anchor point of the project is the former Coca-Cola plant at 405 N. Harrison St. (photo), next to the Porter Center which currently houses the Shelby County Chamber of Commerce.

The Coca-Cola building has already been purchased and Birge & Held is in the process of purchasing the land behind the Porter Center – the former site of Porter Pool – where an H-shaped apartment complex will sit.

“We want to restore the (Coca-Cola) build to its former glory,” said Sam Rogers, Vice President of Development for Birge & Held.

The project envisions approximately 15,000 square feet of the Coca-Cola building will be commercial, perhaps a restaurant or brewery along N. Harrison St. leading into downtown, with office space and lounge areas in the back half of the building.

With another 13,000 square feet behind the Coca-Cola building and the Porter Center, The Mill will have between 160-172 units featuring studio, 1-, 2- and 3-bedroom apartments with easy access to the Blue River Trail and within walking distance of the Public Square.

There are still several hurdles to clear including bringing the Coca-Cola building up to safety codes. Full financial closing on the deal is slated for June of 2022.

Construction completion is estimated as November of 2023.

“It’s a super exciting project for us. We don’t often have something as awesome as the Coca-Cola building to start with and to inspire us to create something that continues that design idea,” said Craig McCormick, project architect with Blackline Studios.

Several members of the Common Council expressed their excitement for the project that will preserve the history of an existing building and add more housing opportunities near downtown.

In other council business Monday night, the Common Council recommended John Hartnett, the retired former director of the Shelbyville Boys and Girls Club, for the Economic Development Commission.

The three-member commission has been restarted after a nearly decade-long hiatus. The commission’s role is to handle public hearings on bonds and review documents for economic development projects.

The three members are appointed by the Shelby County Council, the City of Shelbyville’s Common Council and the Mayor.

The county council appointed T.J. Titus at its November meeting. Titus is the son of Shelby County Council president Tony Titus.

Mayor Tom DeBaun appointed Shannon Meredith, a local legal assistant.

The council also approved rezoning approximately 17 acres located behind Walmart, 2500 Progress Parkway, along Lee Boulevard to multi-family residential for pending project for an apartment complex that has not yet been formally discussed with city officials.