Westfield Develops New Districts & Prepares for Next Chapter
Westfield is entering a pivotal moment in its growth, and Director of Economic Development Jenell Fairman is at the center of that momentum. Tasked with translating the mayor’s vision into action, Fairman is helping shape new districts, guide redevelopment plans and prepare the city for its upcoming transition to second-class status.
“[I’m] establishing an experience district in our downtown intended to attract commercial and residential development, an entertainment district at Grand Park, and an entrepreneurial environment to support the growth of our community,” Fairman says.
The mayor of Westfield previously announced a restructuring of city leadership, effective January 2026, to align Westfield for its transition to a second-class city within two years.
“The restructuring will support the delivery of the downtown redevelopment plan and the upcoming release of the new comprehensive plan for the city through a more unified leadership approach to development,” Fairman says. “[Our] economic development and community development departments now report to a single executive chief, ensuring that goals and objectives are aligned to efficiently deliver the mayor’s vision.”
According to Fairman, the downtown redevelopment serves as a vision for downtown but is not tied to land acquisition or construction timelines.
“The plan communicates the massing, infrastructure, character and amenities envisioned in the downtown area, for developers and landowners to use as a guide,” Fairman says. “There is no intent for the City of Westfield to displace any existing businesses or residents to implement the plan on a specific timeline.”
Fairman says that establishing a vision for the entire downtown better supports existing businesses and residents through communication of the long-term plan.
“Establishing clarity around the interaction with the Midland Trace Trail, Cook Creek, Grand Junction and other natural amenities will allow existing stakeholders to determine whether they want to stay in place, sell to a developer, or be incorporated into a new development as a partner, investor or tenant,” Fairman says. “As portions of the plan are implemented, additional public parking will be made available, new shops and restaurants will bring more activity into the area, and more residents and workers will become patrons of our local businesses.”
The Grand Park District — “A Place for People Who Love Sports” — is a mixed-use entertainment district that will combine sport and active lifestyle experiences for visitors and residents alike.
“ECR (Ed Carpenter Racing) has announced its headquarters and engineering shop as the first privately owned building in the district, including a fan experience to encourage interest in auto racing,” Fairman says. “Two mixed-use buildings with apartments and retail are planned by Keystone Group in their first phase of development, to be followed by a full-service hotel, sports tech incubator, linear park and soccer stadium.”
Additionally, the southern portion of the district will be anchored by an ice hockey facility, which Westfield expects to choose an operator-developer team to build in early 2026. The southern area of Grand Park District will also include a new pond with an urban beach, park areas and a canal under Grand Park Boulevard for boating.
To learn more about Westfield restructuring in 2026, its new downtown redevelopment plan or the Grand Park District, visit westfieldecdev.com.
