Principals

M.D. "Mike" Higbee
President

Mike's role as President is to work directly with both private and public sector entities to encourage planning and development efforts that are consistent with a community's goals and objectives. He works with groups at various points in the development process, from defining a potential development concept through project implementation. Mike lectures at conferences, training seminars, and workshops on topics such as urban planning, development packaging, building economic development capacity, and organizational development.

Mike's primary expertise is in the area of urban redevelopment. Specifically, Mike advises the planning team on development strategies as they relate to overall planning objectives and recommendations, including: land use, real estate development opportunities, project phasing, leveraging public/private investment, cost estimates, organizational roles and responsibilities, fiscal impact analysis, and creating private developer interest.

Mike also leads DCI's development services division. In this capacity, he assembles the development team comprised of architects, engineers, planners, construction managers, financiers, and city officials.

Prior to forming DCI, Mike served as the Director of the City of Indianapolis' Department of Metropolitan Development (DMD). During his tenure, he was the City's contact for several premiere projects, including Circle Centre Mall, the lower canal improvement project, and the negotiations for the $1 billion United Airlines Maintenance Facility at Indianapolis International Airport. Mike also administered many of the City's economic development and affordable housing programs.

Glenn M. Gareis, AIA
Principal-in-Charge

Glenn Gareis is a Principal with Development Concepts, Inc. He is an Architect with 25 years of experience and a diverse range of clients in the governmental, commercial, and educational sectors. Glenn brings project management, design, and oversight expertise in the areas of planning, urban design, and community development. His background is centered on strategic planning for facilities and communities with a focus on issues of land use, redevelopment, collaborative participation, facility planning, and implementation.

Glenn’s project responsibilities include a range of tasks including client and team coordination, project oversight and management, budget and scope administration, land use analysis, stakeholder interviews, focus group discussions, resident surveys, public and steering committee facilitation, concept design, final plan preparation, and final presentations. During his tenure at Development Concepts, Glenn has led or supported a variety of initiatives that include town center planning, downtown revitalization, commercial corridor planning, downtown redevelopment strategies and master planning and neighborhood planning.