Brownsburg’s Growth: A Decade of Transformation

Ten years ago, Brownsburg looked very different. In 2015, the Brownsburg community was home to 24,996 residents, managed 200 acres of parkland, secured $61 million in economic development investments, and took significant steps to enhance local transportation, housing, and quality of life.

As we look back over the past decade, it’s clear how much has changed, from growing neighborhoods and expanded parks to new businesses and infrastructure improvements, all of which continue to make Brownsburg a great place to live, work, and invest in.

A Growing Community

A view of a modern downtown Brownsburg, featuring new buildings and amenities along a wide street under a clear sky.

Since 2015, Brownsburg’s population has grown by 38%, now welcoming more than 34,500 residents. This growth has fueled new housing, retail, dining, and employment opportunities, while enabling the Town to continue investing in infrastructure and public amenities that benefit the entire community.

Transformational Infrastructure

2015 marked the beginning of major roadway improvements in Brownsburg, including the expansion of East and West Northfield Drive, construction on the southern portion of the roadway, and the groundbreaking of Ronald Reagan Parkway from CR 300 N. to US 136. In 2016, the Town’s first public roundabout opened at the intersection of S. Green St. and CR 300 N., improving traffic flow and safety.

Newly constructed roadway with a Green Street sign and traffic markings in Brownsburg.
Roundabout at Green St. and CR 300 N. opened in 2016.

Today, Brownsburg is home to six public roundabouts, with a seventh currently in the design phase at the intersection of CR 300 N. and CR 900 E. Hendricks County recently completed a major expansion of Ronald Reagan Parkway, extending the road from 56th St. to CR 750 N., enhancing connectivity for both businesses and residents. Next year, construction is scheduled to extend the parkway further to CR 1000 N.

A Dynamic Local Economy

Brownsburg attracted $61 million in economic investments in 2015. Over the past decade, new development has averaged $181 million per year since 2020, reflecting steady growth and strong community momentum.

Since 2020, the Town has focused on diversifying its economy, welcoming businesses in distribution and logistics, healthcare and life sciences, motorsports, and light manufacturing.

Exterior view of the Hendricks Regional Health Medical Building in Brownsburg, showcasing modern architectural design with large glass windows and a welcoming entrance.
Hendricks Regional Health Medical Building Expansion (Photo by Lacy Clagg Photography)

Brownsburg has also seen significant growth in healthcare facilities, including Hendricks Regional Health’s Brownsburg Hospital and Medical Building, the VA Clinic, OrthoIndy, and Community Rehabilitation Hospital.

Group of people gathered for a ribbon-cutting ceremony inside a large warehouse, with banners and shelving visible in the background.
Mercury Marine Ribbon-Cutting Ceremony in 2022

The Ronald Reagan Logistics Center broke ground in 2021, bringing Fortune 500 company Brunswick with Mercury Marine to the area. Eleven industrial buildings have been constructed since 2020; 10 are fully leased, one is partially leased. Upcoming projects, such as the 1.6 million-square-foot HarperCollins facility west of Ronald Reagan Parkway, are expected to create at least 400 new jobs by 2028.

Parks, Trails, and Quality of Life

In 2015, construction began on the White Lick Creek Greenway at the I-74 interchange and the Williams Park splash pad. At that time, the Town managed 245 acres of parkland and approximately 8 miles of trail.

Children and adults enjoying a colorful splash pad with water features in a park on a sunny day.
Splash Pad at Williams Park opened in 2015.

Today, the White Lick Creek Greenway connects the Northside of Brownsburg to Arbuckle Acres Park and sees an average of 30,000 users each year. Earlier this year, the Williams Park splash pad underwent major renovations, replacing aging water lines, upgrading play features, and expanding the footprint to serve a growing population.

A wooden walkway surrounded by trees with fall foliage, featuring a man walking a dog and two people walking alongside them.
White Lick Creek Greenway

Brownsburg now manages 328 acres of parkland across five developed parks and 20 miles of trails. Since 2015, the Town has celebrated the openings of Cardinal Park and its dog park, Stephens Park, and Virgil Park.

Aerial view of a modern park featuring winding paths, a playground, and green open spaces in Brownsburg.
Virgil Park

Beginning next year, basic improvements will start at Lincolnwood Park to add parking and trails. Work on White Lick Creek will stabilize the creek bed, providing safe access for residents to enjoy the water for recreation.

A New Downtown Core

Since construction began in 2017, downtown Brownsburg has transformed into a hub of activity. New restaurants, small businesses, coworking spaces, and apartments have created a walkable district that supports local businesses.

You may also like: Flaherty & Collins Properties Opens Phase II of The Arbuckle Apartments

Aerial view of a modern mixed-use building in Brownsburg, featuring residential apartments and ground-level retail spaces, with vehicles and traffic lights visible on the street.
Arbuckle II

A 9/11 Memorial was installed at Arbuckle Commons, the center of the downtown development project, in 2019 to serve as a reminder of this important time in history.

A Safe and Prepared Community

Public safety remains a cornerstone of Brownsburg’s identity. With construction underway on a new fire station and expanded police and street department facilities, the Town is proactively addressing the needs of a growing community.

You may also like: Brownsburg Named One of America’s Safest Suburbs

A firefighter kneeling on the ground interacting with a young girl wearing a pink hat and holding a toy. A woman stands nearby, observing the interaction, in front of a fire truck.

Author

  • Shelby Abner is the Community Relations Senior Manager for the Town of Brownsburg. Raised in Hendricks County, Shelby and her husband have called Brownsburg home since 2016. With her camera in hand, you’ll often find her exploring the town, supporting local small businesses, and spending quality time with her family at the parks. Shelby takes pride in the growth that Brownsburg has experienced over the years and appreciates the wonderful amenities and assets that the community has to offer, including special events, diverse dining options, and unique shopping experiences.

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