LEAP Lebanon Innovation District Lebanon, Indiana

Services Provided

Master Planning
Land Use Planning
Development Framework
Design Guidelines
Sustainable Design

People Involved

Eric Lucas
Aaron Kowalski
Sean Hare
Abby Lawless
Carley Lemmon
Saben Nusbaum

Creating an innovation district that will be a global leader in technology, manufacturing, and sustainable development within central Indiana.

Overview
The LEAP Innovation District is located in Boone County, Indiana along the I-65 Innovation Corridor. The Indiana Economic Development Corporation (IEDC) has selected the district for an economic development project to establish the next hub of global innovation, sustainable development, and the creation of a vibrant mixed-use village. This district will be home to many industry-leading businesses in life sciences, microelectronics, ag-tech, clean tech, electrification, and EV innovation. Through an extensive planning process, a Master Plan was developed with an accompanying Development Framework to guide land use development, establish a primary road network, protect and enhance the natural resource network, and provide a guiding document as the project develops into full build-out.

Additionally, a set of Design Guidelines was created to support the district visioning, design, and sustainability goals developed through the Master Plan. These guidelines demonstrate the goals of the plan through: sustainable and regenerative building practices, water and utility management, high-quality building design, enhanced landscaping aimed at protecting the natural resources, district-wide amenity development, and connectivity.

Innovative Project Features
Since 2022, MKSK has worked with the IEDC to facilitate a planning process that will establish and guide the development of the LEAP Innovation District. MKSK has collaborated with developers, consultants, local and regional municipalities, and community members of the Central Indiana region. Perkins&Will worked with MKSK as sustainability experts in developing the overarching goals for the plan and in developing the renderings illustrating the final master plan vision.

The planning process for the 9,500-acre development was led by MKSK. During the planning process, a series of high-level visioning targets were developed as the Project Vision, and through the developed standards in the design guidelines and master plan these targets are set to be accomplished.

The design guidelines establish the importance of and promote environmentally responsible development. Throughout the district, a series of significant perimeter and road buffer standards minimize the visual impact of this development and establish a natural setting comprised of native meadows and tree stands. The guidelines also limit light pollution and incorporate solar energy into buildings, parking areas, and through standalone installations.

The master plan and design guidelines were codified in an innovative Planned Unit Development zoning code that focuses on blending innovation with placemaking, best-in-practice stormwater, and sustainable development standards, all while balancing the need to attract economic development and remain business and development friendly.

Megasite Character

Mixed-Use Village Character

The project will have a significant impact on Central Indiana as it will become an example of sustainable and regenerative building practices. LEAP is designed to become a model in healthy, green community development within the Midwest promoting ecological diversity, restoration of natural environment, and compatibility between the built and natural environments. Additionally, the district promotes community resiliency through green infrastructure, responsible water management, and offset strategies to assist in lowering dependence of fossil fuels. LEAP aims to become a global leader in developing healthy, smart, resilient communities that are prepared for the future.