10/28/2026
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Town of Speedway Moves to Acquire Wilshaw Hotel Site Through Eminent Domain
SPEEDWAY, Ind. (Oct. 28, 2026): The Town of Speedway is moving forward in court to acquire the long-stalled Wilshaw Hotel property at the gateway to Main Street, after negotiations with the owner, Wilshaw Hotel LLC, did not produce an agreement.
The Town filed an eminent domain action in Marion Superior Court on Oct. 28. The filing follows the process the Speedway Town Council set on March 30, when it voted 5-0 to adopt Resolution No. 2026-06. The resolution authorized the Redevelopment Commission to obtain appraisals, negotiate with the owner and, if needed, use eminent domain in the Town’s name. After negotiating in good faith, the Town mailed the owner a purchase offer on July 21, in the form state law requires, along with the conclusions of value from two appraisals. The two sides were unable to agree on a sale.
“We told residents in March there would be a point where the Town would act, and we have reached it,” said Town Manager Grant Kleinhenz. “We made a good-faith effort to negotiate an agreement. That did not happen, so we are taking the next step to get this site moving.”
Indiana law establishes the process for an eminent domain action and provides protections for the property owner and other parties with compensable interests. Filing the complaint does not transfer the property to the Town. If the court permits the condemnation to proceed, the court will appoint three independent appraisers to make an initial assessment of the property’s value and compensable interests. After the court-appointed appraisers provide their assessment, the Town may acquire possession of the property after depositing the assessment amount with the clerk. The final determination of the property’s value rests with the court.
What Happens Next
The Town is asking the court to permit the Town to acquire the property through Indiana’s eminent domain process.
If the Town is able to acquire the property, the Town will decide whether to proceed with a development partner or conduct a competitive request for proposals process.
Looking Ahead
The Town has not selected a developer or committed to a specific redevelopment project. Any decisions concerning the property’s future will be made only if the Town successfully acquires the property through the legal process. At that time, the Town would evaluate the appropriate next steps, which could include an open and competitive request for proposals process with clear project expectations, performance deadlines and accountability requirements.
Success will still be defined the way it was in March: a completed, occupied development that brings consistent activity to Main Street, supports surrounding businesses and reflects the standard the community has come to expect.
Commitment to the Community
Town leaders acknowledged that court proceedings take time and that residents have already waited years.
“Residents have been very patient through a frustrating and lengthy process,” said Speedway Town Council President Jason DeLisle. “We said we would provide updates at each step, and we will continue sharing information as this moves through court.”
