| Westfield, IN (November 12, 2024) — Grand Universe, an innovative and immersive STEM Learning Experience, announced plans for a 66+ acre multi-use development near Grand Park on Monday evening.
The development, comprised of four districts, will be a dynamic destination for learning, recreation, and leisure. It will offer educational value, entertainment, local and tourism appeal, a hotel, observatories, and cultural spaces centered around science, space, engineering, and technology. Investment for Phase 1, which includes the science and space center, includes more than $300 million. Future investments could total north of $700 million.
The Grand Universe District will contain a state-of-the-art science and space center for learning and exploration, as well as a STEM pavilion with related events and amenities. At 170,000 square feet, the Grand Universe Center for Science and Space Exploration will feature one of the world’s largest full-dome planetariums, which will create a 360-degree theatre experience.
The Resort District will include a space-themed hotel and a state-of-the-art convention center, providing visitors with accommodations, dedicated parking, and access to all Districts, events, amenities, and the Monon Trail.
The Town Center District will include commercial and mixed-use properties, creating spaces integrating retail, office, and high-density multi-family uses.
The Sports Entertainment District will include sports, art, and entertainment viewing facilities with outdoor plazas and dining. It is also expected to include a creek park with natural elements and open spaces to accommodate a number of trails.
“Grand Universe has been dreamed and talked about for years and it’s great that we are one step closer to making this project a reality,” stated Mayor Scott Willis. “This project will be a tremendous asset to the Grand Park area, offering an exciting new space where residents and visitors can come together to dine, connect, and explore.”
Grand Universe has partnered with The Hagerman Group, Browning Day Architects and Jarbo Marketing to develop this extraordinary project.
This was introduced at the November 11 Westfield City Council meeting and will have a public hearing at the December 2 Advisory Plan Commission (APC) meeting at 7 p.m. at City Hall. The City Council and Redevelopment Commission will consider tax increment financing to assist with infrastructure costs in February 2025
Publishers Note: Grand Universe CEO Greg McCauley has been an instructor at Camp Cullom’s annual ‘Academy of Science’ for 13 years and has been a popular speaker at the “Indiana Family Star Party” held each year at the end of July or early August.
Camp Cullom’s Prairie Grass Observatory Director Russ Kaspar and McCauley have worked with each other for many years to bring the exciting frontiers of Space Exploration to the youth of Clinton County and beyond. Kaspar looks forward to working with Greg as the Grand Universe STEM initiative unfolds. Camp Cullom’s Prairie Grass Observatory is also home to the 28” and 16” scopes under the dark rural skies of Clinton County. Camp Cullom has just received a sophisticated mount that will enable the Prairie Grass Observatory to go “on the road” with unmanned operation of the observatory dome. This will enable Prairie Grass Observatory to travel to schools, public gatherings and nursing homes in the evening hours and operate the dome and display its observations remotely during presentations.
Prairie Grass Observatory and Grand Universe will work hand in hand to empower learning for Indiana Youth in areas of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM).
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