A developer told Merrillville planners he already has occupants lined up for about 85 percent of a 42,000-square-foot, eight-tenant building he is proposing to be built at the U.S. 30 site of Catch 22 restaurant and bar.
“I have not witnessed this kind of demand for space before,” Al Krygier said, citing a lack of new construction in recent years and its prime U.S. 30 location.
He said Tuesday that only 8,000 square feet of space remains open and he expects that space to be filled before the building’s expected completion date in the fourth quarter of the year.
Krygier said the development will be anchored by a Planet Fitness, which would be located in the center of the brick building. A downsized Catch 22 will reopen on the west end, taking up about 4,200 square feet. He said a national physical therapy company and an emergency dental facility have also signed on.
He said if another restaurant goes into the building, it would be a small scale eatery of about 2,500 square feet.
Krygier said while Catch 22 will be closed for several months during the demolition and construction process, its owner will be able to continue to operate his catering business from one of Krygier’s other developments during this time.
Krygier said the project will cost about $5 million to $6 million.
“It’s a large investment, but the demand is there. There’s a real optimism about retail and a number of people are moving to this area,” he said.
The project received the support of Town Councilman Shawn Pettit, D-6th, who also chairs the plan commission.
“As the ward councilman, I am extremely, extremely excited about this project,” Pettit said.
The plan commission approved a one-lot subdivision and gave preliminary approval to the project.
Krygier still needs final approval from the plan commission and the town council’s OK.
Karen Caffarini is a freelance reporter for the Post-Tribune.
