Upscale hotel and restaurant underway in Lebanon

Maria Flora, The Lebanon Reporter, Ind.
·2 min read

Nov. 16—A ceremonial groundbreaking ushered in a new era for Lebanon's Gateway Marketplace after years of planning and delays caused by a pandemic.

But the delays resulted in a bigger investment in the city.

Developers and city officials broke ground last week on a $20 million hotel and restaurant to be situated along Ind. 32 at Interstate 65 on Lebanon's west side.

"Today's groundbreaking is a perfect example of perseverance," Lebanon Mayor Matthew Gentry said. "After being stalled for a bit, thanks to the pandemic, it was great to see this project kick into high gear ..."

In 2018, Indianapolis developer KenMar bought 20 acres at the interchange, where former Shumate Business Form and the Parker Hannifin Corp. Commercial Division had once sat. KenMar razed the buildings and prepared the site for growth.

City leaders announced in 2019 that a Fairfield Inn and Suites by Marriott and a restaurant would build there, but the COVID-19 pandemic stalled the project. Other new businesses situated on the site in the meantime, including Dunkin Donuts and Burger King.

The Indiana Economic Development Corporation announced during the interim that it will develop the LEAP Lebanon research and innovation district. Eli Lilly and Co. is the anchor for the district to sit on 9,000 acres on the city's northwest side. Lilly is building a $3.7 billion pharmaceutical complex. Other LEAP tenants may be semiconductor chip or electric car battery manufacturers that would also invest billions, the IEDC has said.

Lebanon Hotel Group, LLC and developers the Kang Brothers and Ghoman Group are developing the 95-room hotel and restaurant and retooled their plans after LEAP was announced.

Ghoman Group Chairman Alex Ghoman said his company scaled up the hotel and restaurant plans and will invest more than originally anticipated after learning of LEAP Lebanon. The district, he said, should draw executive travelers to Lebanon, and the hotel will offer them a higher-end experience than what was originally planned for Lebanon.

It will take about a year to build.

The Bar Louie restaurant will be the third Indianapolis area location, the others being in Carmel and Greenfield. Lebanon's will be 5,700 square feet.

The restaurant bills itself as "the original gastrobar" with "great drinks, chef-inspired food, and awesome service in a comfortable atmosphere where you are encouraged to relax and hang out."

The restaurants differ, based on local flavor and demand, but the Carmel menu features steak, citrus grilled salmon, Monterrey chicken, craft burgers and flat breads, along with an array of beer, wine and spirits.

"The City of Lebanon is thrilled to add, not only another wonderful hotel and restaurant to our community, but also a fantastic community partner with the Ghoman Group," Gentry said.