Karl Haas, Longtime Carmel Contributor, Dies At 57

CARMEL, Ind. – Locals are mourning the sudden death of a longtime Carmel supporter who served the city for more than 20 years.

Karl Haas, 57, died in his home on Wednesday, Dec. 6. City representatives shared a letter with residents this week in which they reminisced about his many contributions to better the city.

Haas was the attorney for the Carmel Redevelopment Commission (CRC) for more than 20 years, offering unparalleled expertise on public-private partnerships that helped establish Carmel as a world class city. His applied his experience facilitating the Circle Centre Mall in downtown Indianapolis to local projects such as the Arts & Design District, City Center and new Midtown development.

"Karl's expertise in the area of real estate development and public private partnerships was vital to our success, especially early on," Mayor Jim Brainard said. "No other Indiana community has approached its redevelopment efforts as aggressively or as skillfully as Carmel has, and that is due, in great part, to the knowledge that Karl brought to our CRC discussions and the planning process. I will miss the insight that Karl brought to our meetings and will always be grateful that he was able to help Carmel create a unique, walkable and sustainable community that has become an example for many who are seeking similar direction."

Haas began his legal career at Baker & Daniels in 1985, becoming Partner in 1992 before co-founding Wallack Somers & Haas in 1999. He was a graduate of Indiana University and Indiana University School of Law. He received numerous honors, including being named Beta Gamma Sigma National Business Honorary, an Edwards Fellow and a Jump Scholar.

"Karl was a genius when it came to project finance and structure," said Bill Hammer, who worked with Haas on many CRC projects. "As you look at the many redevelopment projects that have changed the face of Carmel, Karl had a hand in all of them. Without (him), most would never have occurred as he was able to translate the mayor's vision into reality."

Hammer continued, sharing that all residents owe Haas a deep debt of gratitude.

"As people enjoy a concert or play in the Palladium or the Civic Theater, or live or work in our many great projects, little do they know that they are enjoying the benefit of Karl's expertise," he said.

Below is Haas's obituary:

Karl P. Haas, 57, passed away at his home on the morning of Wednesday, Dec. 6th, 2017.

Karl was born to Virginia and Ernest Haas in Indianapolis on March 14, 1960.

Having practiced commercial real estate law for 32 years, Karl was a founding partner at Wallack Somers & Haas, a boutique law firm located in Indianapolis. During his career, Karl received multiple distinctions for his work with the City of Indianapolis, the City of Carmel, and numerous private developers.

Karl was an enthusiastic patron of the arts, and he enjoyed entertaining guests with his wife, Holly Stults Haas. His friends, colleagues, and loved ones knew him to be generous, thoughtful, and a wonderful story teller. Karl’s endeavors to cherish and improve his home were shared by his family.

Karl will be missed by his wife, his two sons, Luke and Joel Haas, his daughters-in-law, Kelly Goffiney and Christina Rozes, and his three stepsons, Brady, Grant, and Tanner Quackenbush.

A private service will be held at 10 am on Sunday, December 17th. Friends and family are invited to the Haas Family residence between 2 and 6 pm for a memorial and open house in celebration of Karl’s life. If desired, in lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Karl P. Haas Memorial Fund (in care of United Fidelity Bank, Carmel, Indiana).

Image courtesy of Wallack Somers & Haas