Zionsville, Indiana, is actively pursuing the development of boutique hotels to address a significant shortage of lodging options in the area. As the town and Boone County continue to grow, local officials are emphasizing the economic benefits and the need for accommodations that enhance the town’s unique character. Currently, the only hotel in Zionsville is the Brick Street Inn, which highlights the pressing demand for additional lodging.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis, an ideal community should have one hotel room for every 100 residents. Zionsville currently has only eight rooms available, creating a lodging deficit that officials believe can be remedied by attracting boutique-style hotels.
Justin Hage, the deputy mayor of Zionsville, explained the appeal of boutique hotels: “Boutique hotels often have a name, have furnishings, have a feel that feels more local, more organic as opposed to a run-of-the-mill — every Holiday Inn looks the same. This is more of a local feel to the property.”
As demand for accommodations rises, Boone County, which includes Zionsville, currently boasts a total of 869 hotel rooms. The Indianapolis Executive Airport has recently begun accepting international travelers, and the Leap District is attracting more corporate visitors, underscoring the need for expanded hotel options in the area.
Allyson Gutwein, CEO of Discover Boone County, noted, “Boone County is growing rapidly. We are really fortunate to see people who really want to come to our area. Right now we have a 70% occupancy on the year, and some months have been as high as 84%.”
The local government recognizes that increasing hotel options could provide substantial benefits to the Zionsville economy. Hage added, “Obviously, staying in the hotel generates innkeeper tax, but also food and beverage tax. They come to the restaurants, they come to the stores, so it really allows us to have events and spend their money and allow them to be here in the town of Zionsville.”
To support this initiative, both Boone County and Zionsville are working on a study that aims to demonstrate to potential investors that the area is open for business. Gutwein stated, “We want to make sure that people who feel like they are interested in having a business in Boone County feel like they have the opportunity to come and look at putting a property here as opposed to somewhere else in central Indiana.”
Discover Boone County has identified potential properties for new hotel developments, although officials have not yet disclosed specific locations. The focus remains on attracting the right type of accommodations that align with the community’s identity while addressing the increasing demand for lodging.
As Zionsville looks to the future, the push for boutique hotels represents a strategic effort to enhance local tourism and support economic growth in a rapidly evolving environment.
