PRESS RELEASE – Hotel study shows opportunity for Zionsville lodging development

ZIONSVILLE, IN (October 28, 2025) – The Town of Zionsville, in partnership with Chicago- based Hunden Partners, has completed a hotel market and feasibility study identifying a strong opportunity for additional lodging development within the community. The study provides data- driven insights to guide future hotel investment, address Zionsville’s limited lodging capacity, and support the town’s ongoing economic development efforts.

“The results of the study are clear: if we want to keep visitor dollars in Zionsville, we need to have a place for those visitors to stay,” said Mayor John Stehr. “A full-service boutique hotel would not only boost our local economy but also give us the space to host business meetings, community events, and family celebrations – right here in Zionsville.”

The study conducted by Hunden Partners analyzed current and projected hotel demand, market feasibility, and economic impact for potential lodging in Zionsville. Findings show current room night demand generated within Zionsville leaving the town for hotel products in surrounding cities within Boone County and Hamilton County, leading to lost economic impact within Zionsville.

“Zionsville is experiencing rapid population and economic growth, and this trend is expected to continue over the next five to ten years,” said Ryan Sheridan, Director at Hunden Partners. “There are currently zero branded hotel products within the Town of Zionsville, yet the volume of demand drivers for corporate, group, and leisure room nights continues to increase. To accommodate current demand, and to generate additional event opportunities within Zionsville in the future, an upscale boutique hotel accompanied by ballroom and meeting space is needed within the market.”

The report also highlights demand drivers such as the Indianapolis Executive Airport, local events and sports tourism, and proximity to major business corridors. The recommendations provide a roadmap for how new hotel development could meet local demand and strengthen Zionsville’s economic base.

The idea for a hotel feasibility study originated at an economic development summit held earlier this year. Zionsville currently has just one hotel – the eight-room Brick Street Inn in the Village. Many visitors to the Zionsville area stay in nearby communities such as Carmel, Whitestown, Westfield, or Indianapolis, taking their visitor spending with them.The study was funded by the Zionsville Redevelopment Commission (RDC), with Hunden Partners selected through a Request for Proposal process and an agreement approved by the RDC in July.

The Town will use the study’s findings to guide future discussions with potential partners and evaluate where new lodging would best serve residents, visitors, and local businesses.

The full executive summary of the hotel market study is available here.

About the Town of Zionsville: Zionsville is a vibrant community of over 31,000 residents in Boone County, Indiana, located just northwest of Indianapolis. Known for its historic village and brick-paved Main Street, award-winning public schools, and over 800 acres of parkland, Zionsville offers a unique blend of small-town charm and modern amenities.