Local Developer, Jay Lieser of 1st Metropolitan has begun construction of a 4-story professional office building and retail development. Located in the heart of Munster at Calumet Avenue and 45th St., upon completion, Maple Leaf Crossing will feature a Hyatt Place Hotel and The School of Rock offering performance-based programs for kids and adults. Adjacent spaces will feature a restaurant, piano and bistro lounge, along with additional retail spaces available.
“Munster is known for it’s first-class schools, homes and healthcare. With Maple Leaf Crossing, we will add professional and retail space to the list.” Lieser said. “I live here, work here and raise my kids here. I am proud of our community and want to do my part to improve it.” He continued.
Maple Leaf Crossing will create a highly stylized development drawing from our heritage of steel and rail. The center of the walking campus includes container architecture that will offer unique local shops. From Sparkman Wharf in Tampa to Stackt in Toronto, communities have used container architecture to revitalize under-used land and create cultural experiences.
“This is a significant place-making development that incorporates the high-quality and pedestrian-centric design our community looks for,” Town Manager Dustin Anderson said. “The Town of Munster is very pleased to work with Mr. Lieser on facilitating this unique project,” he added.
Maple Leaf Crossing will also incorporate the extension of the Monon Trail bike and walking path through the middle of its campus bringing it one step closer to connecting with the Pennsy Greenway and Centennial Park. Bikers, walkers and business people will all have a place to meet for lunch, shopping or a night on the town.
Maple Leaf Crossing will be located at Calumet Ave. and 45th Street, in Munster. The initial phase of the project, expected to begin with demolition of the current site in Fall 2021, is expected to include several commercial buildings, including space for professional office, retail, medical, restaurant, warehousing and container architecture.
Historic foundation: Development unearths bricks from long-bygone Munster factory
Region historian Ken Schoon, left, and Munster Building Inspector Glenn Rhodes tour the Maple Leaf Crossing development site where a cache of historic bricks was discovered.Building Inspector Glenn Rhodes, left, and Region historian Ken Schoon tour the Maple Leaf...