A renewed proposal for an Atwell Suites hotel in Fishers’ Saxony area has cleared the city’s Planned Unit Development Committee, following a prolonged dispute over an earlier design.
The committee unanimously approved the hotel’s architecture and site plan Sept. 2. The four-story, 124-room hotel is planned at the northwest corner of East 134th Street and Olio Road, according to
Atwell Suites is an IHG Hotels & Resorts brand. Senior Planner Christy Cashin identified Striving Legacy Fishers LLC as the petitioner and described the hotel as part of a larger mixed-use development.
Plans include suite-style rooms, coworking and lounge areas, a small patio and limited food and beverage service. The revised exterior includes two public art murals, limestone accents and additional lighting. Developer representative Mindy Westrick Brown told the committee that city staff helped shape those changes, including references to local railroad heritage.
The earlier proposal called for 113 rooms near Minden and Erlen drives, southeast of Saxony Lake. That differs from the location identified for the newly approved plan.
In 2024, committee members questioned whether the hotel’s appearance fit Saxony’s architectural character. Developers said they needed to balance local standards with IHG’s preferred brand design. Requested changes included an additional entrance, larger windows and more consistent ground-floor brickwork.
Residents’ objections extended beyond appearance. IBJ reported that a petition included 430 opposing signatures and 13 supporting signatures. Opponents cited proximity to homes, a daycare and a park, along with concerns about traffic, noise and trash. The developer’s representative countered that a hotel was a permitted use within the mixed-use area.
After allowing additional revisions in August 2024, the committee rejected the architecture 5-0 on Dec. 4, 2024. The Saxony Community Association also submitted an opposition letter.
The latest approval clears the committee’s design review. The site already has mixed-use zoning. Fishers’ published process says approved PUD projects may proceed, with construction dependent on applicable permits and resolution of staff review comments. Commercial site work requires an Improvement Location Permit.