Shan Sheridan, Russ Kaspar and Todd Corrie-General Manager of Frankfort Utilities discussed the proposed Data Center and change of plans at Bandaras point at the intersection of I-65 and 28 on WILO’s “Partyline” at 96.9 FM, 1570 AM and Boone 102.7 FM.
You can listen (and watch) the program by going to HoosierlandTV.com. At program time, the community was waiting for a press release from the owners of the Bandaras Point project. Here is that press release:
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Work on the infrastructure at Bandaras Point was temporarily put on hold due to a
significant and unexpected issue with soil stability encountered during excavation of the
stormwater detention pond. Preconstruction testing failed to identify a large area of
marrow on the west bank, which required removal of more than 250 truckloads of
unsuitable soil and replacement with stable fill. After multiple rounds of additional soil
borings and re–engineering, we are now in a position to resume and complete construction
of the detention pond.
Work on the infrastructure at Bandaras Point was temporarily put on hold due to a
significant and unexpected issue with soil stability encountered during excavation of the
stormwater detention pond. Preconstruction testing failed to identify a large area of
marrow on the west bank, which required removal of more than 250 truckloads of
unsuitable soil and replacement with stable fill. After multiple rounds of additional soil
borings and re–engineering, we are now in a position to resume and complete construction
of the detention pond.
Another factor that contributed to the delay, though more positive, was the opportunity to
replot and redesign the layout to allow for the potential addition of a second hotel. The
original plan called for one hotel on the northeast corner of the property. However, after
discussions with a hotel developer, Premier Development, a four-acre parcel on the west
side of the development—adjacent to I-65—was identified as a better location for a hotel
due to visibility and expansion potential. This adjustment required additional redesign and
re-engineering of infrastructure, including internal roads, stormwater, water, and
sanitation. The hotel developer is currently in the final stages of due diligence on this
phase.
The GC, Clinton Taylor of C.A. Taylor, anticipates construction on the detention pond to
resume in approximately 30–60 days, beginning with pumping down the pond to facilitate
rebuilding the west bank. While the additional capital investment and the State’s recent
fiscal challenges have created concerns, our family remains committed to delivering an
exceptional development for the people of Frankfort and Clinton County.
As local leadership has shared time and time again, “We only have one interchange—we
have to get it right the first time.” While it is natural to want to move quickly to generate
returns, we also recognize the significant investment Clinton County has already made in
infrastructure to support growth at the interchange. Getting it right means ensuring the
public–private collaboration becomes a model for other communities.
The County’s infrastructure commitments—including sanitation, water, and roads—have
already enabled major projects such as NHK’s new facility, the proposed Park 65
Hydroponics, and other investments. The new roundabout, which serves M&K Truck Sales,
Wilson Trailer, Performance Ag, local residents, and our Good to Go Travel Center, has not
only opened the east side of the interchange for safe development but also eliminated a
dangerous traffic condition.
While I cannot speak to the exact amounts invested by NHK, M&K, Performance Ag, and
others, I can state that our family business has already invested over $18 million at the interchange. This includes donating land for a water tower and providing easements to enable future development. Additional millions in private investment are already poised to follow across all four quadrants of the interchange.
The bones are in place—now it is time to build.