Westfield Unveils Plans for 2,200-Home Development Project

Westfield is advancing plans for a significant residential development that will introduce more than 2,200 homes to the city’s northwest corner. The proposed development, known as Ironstone, will cover 800 acres and aims to create a diverse range of housing options, from smaller lot homes to village-style residences that feature alley access.

The project will also include a mixed-use area designed to enhance community life with dining and entertainment options situated near the Monon Trail. Paul Rioux, president of Platinum Properties, the firm leading the development, described the vision: “The concept is to create a village in this part of Westfield that offers basically housing types across the whole spectrum.” Rioux emphasized that the design aims to foster a village-like atmosphere, enhancing the overall experience for residents.

Balancing Growth and Community Character

Mayor Scott Willis expressed that the development aligns with the city’s comprehensive plan to cultivate distinct neighborhoods while preserving Westfield’s small-town charm amidst rapid expansion. He remarked, “I’ve always bought into the theory that if you’re not a growing city, you’re a dinosaur. I think it’s important that we continue to accept and continue to lean into good development in our community.”

Willis highlighted the importance of careful planning to maintain the city’s character. “What we’re trying to do with this new comprehensive plan is have these little pockets of development where you feel like you live in a small town, even though you live in a big city,” he explained. The mayor acknowledged residents’ concerns regarding infrastructure development and outlined ongoing measures to meet these challenges.

In response to growth-related infrastructure demands, the city plans to widen 191st Street to a four-lane boulevard and implement roundabouts in the coming years. “We got 191st Street being widened to a four-lane boulevard next year. The following year, we’re bringing in roundabouts,” Willis stated, reinforcing the city’s commitment to managing growth responsibly.

Community Support and Future Planning

To support the anticipated increase in population, the developers have committed to donating 40 acres of land to the local school district for an elementary school. This initiative aims to ensure that educational resources keep pace with the new community’s needs. Willis remarked, “I feel really good about the effort that’s been spent planning for this kind of future growth.”

Rioux noted a robust demand for housing in Westfield, citing the influx of builders and new residents who wish to settle in the area. “What we have is demand from builders, demand from the growth and population of people who want to live here,” he said. The mayor reiterated that the city is taking a thoughtful approach to development rather than hastily approving new projects. “We’re not just slapping up homes to grow. We’re trying to do things the right way,” he added.

To engage with the community, developers will hold a neighborhood meeting on October 16, 2025, at 7 p.m. at the Wyndham Hotel, located at 18592 Carousel Lane, Westfield. Furthermore, the rezoning request will be presented to the Westfield Plan Commission during a public hearing on November 3, 2025, at 7 p.m. at Westfield City Hall.

This ambitious project reflects Westfield’s ongoing commitment to balancing growth with the preservation of its community identity, ensuring that new developments enhance the quality of life for all residents.