The Ellsworth Celebrates Grand Opening in Downtown Lafayette

The Ellsworth in downtown Lafayette celebrated the official grand opening this morning with a ribbon cutting ceremony. City officials, Rebar Development, and project partners were on hand to mark the milestone for the $18 million mixed-use project located on the southwest corner of 5th and South streets.

“The completion of the Ellsworth project has definitely enhanced the landscape of the Ellsworth Neighborhood and downtown Lafayette,” said City of Lafayette Mayor Tony Roswarski. “Our partnership with Rebar Development, Regions Bank, and the Indiana Economic Development Corporation was essential in this mixed-use project that will attract apartment tenants and retail business owners to our historic inner city. We are extremely pleased with the ageless architecture and all the amenities that the Ellsworth provides to drive economic growth to Lafayette.”

The Ellsworth raises the bar for downtown living in Lafayette with five-stories of timeless architecture, 97 modern apartment homes, and 2,000 sq. ft. of commercial space. Designed to attract and retain young professionals, empty nesters, and a growing downtown workforce, the one- and two-bedroom apartments offer spacious floor plans, gourmet kitchens, stylish fixtures, energy efficient appliances, and balconies that overlook downtown Lafayette. The Ellsworth also includes a parking garage with 40 public parking spaces available during business hours.

“Cutting the ribbon is always exciting, and we are honored to celebrate the grand opening of The Ellsworth with the City, our residents, and our project partners,” said Shelby Bowen, President of Rebar Development. “The success of the lease-up at The Ellsworth confirms that downtown Lafayette is an awesome place to call home.”

The Ellsworth community features a second-floor clubhouse with an outdoor courtyard, co-working lounge and conference room, fitness center, indoor bike-storage, and incredible views of downtown Lafayette. With pre-leasing activities beginning spring of 2022, The Ellsworth is fully reserved and nearly one hundred percent occupied.   

“We are excited about the impact The Ellsworth will have on the small businesses and restaurants in downtown Lafayette,” said Scott Walker, CEO of the Greater Lafayette Chamber of Commerce. “Not only does the project add commercial space and vibrancy to the area, but it also attracts more potential customers for the network of businesses that call downtown home.”

The Ellsworth redeveloped a key, previously underutilized parcel along South Street. The area was designated an Opportunity Zone by Governor Eric Holcomb to encourage capital investment, and the project was awarded a Redevelopment Tax Credit of $2.3 million by the Indiana Economic Development Corporation.  

“Our firm is focused on creating high-quality developments in Indiana’s best communities and The Ellsworth continues that tradition. Rebar Development is grateful to be a partner with the City and State on this important project,” said Bowen.