Urban Indiana

Oldest Catholic church in Indy plans $2.7M parish center downtown

The oldest Catholic church in Indianapolis plans to construct a $2.7 million parish center as part of its downtown campus, with a goal of completing the project in time for a major conference slated for the city next summer.

St. John the Evangelist, 126 W. Georgia St., is making the investment in the 2,800-square-foot facility as part of a larger $5.5 million renovation to the property that started in 2021. The one-story center—which will also feature a rooftop terrace—is expected to occupy a portion of the church's parking lot on the northeast corner of South Capitol Avenue and West Georgia Street.

Immediately adjacent to the south side of the church, the parish center would be used for gatherings and events, as well as an access point into other parts of the campus. That would include the rectory and parish office building on the east side of the property.

More below:
https://www.ibj.com/articles/oldest-catholic-church-in-indy-plans-2-7m-parish-center-downtown

Section of downtown's Jail II building slated for demolition in revision of $120M redevelopment plan

The developer that plans to revamp a pair of former correctional facilities on Indianapolis' near-east side for housing, retail and entertainment uses has modified its vision for the project due to structural issues with one of the buildings.

The project, known as the Cole Motor Campus, is expected to repurpose the Jail II and Arrestee Processing Center buildings north of East Washington Street and west of Interstate 65/70. The $120 million concept from 1820 Ventures was selected by the city in late 2022, following an extensive proposal process focused on reuse of the structures, which are considered historically significant.

But a 62,000-square-foot portion of Jail II is now set to be demolished, after problems with the structure were discovered ahead of internal demolition work. The area in question in the eastern wing of the building was used for storage during the building's time as a jail, and did not house inmates.

More below:
https://www.ibj.com/articles/developer-eyes-demolition-of-portion-of-jail-ii-building-amid-project-reshuffle

Motto hotel project in King Cole building delayed but still kicking, developer says

Three years after the mostly vacant King Cole building was adorned with a stylized wrap ahead of the NCAA men's basketball tournament, the ground floor of the tower located a block from Monument Circle has been cloaked once more.

The street-level façade of the 11-story building at 1 N. Meridian St. was wrapped last week with a colorful basketball-themed covering ahead of NBA All-Star Weekend on Feb. 16-18, as part of a beautification effort from the Indianapolis Arts Council focused on vacant downtown storefronts.

Chicago-based developer The Gettys Group said in September 2019 that it would convert the King Cole building into a Motto hotel—a flag under the Hilton family of hotel brands. The original timeline was three years, but the effort to convert the terra cotta-covered, 122-year-old building into a 116-room Motto has shown little if any progress for many months.

More below:
https://www.ibj.com/articles/motto-hotel-project-in-king-cole-building-delayed-but-still-kicking-developer-says

I'm told St. John is also having discussions with the city to acquire the alley that surrounds the church. They want to have vendors set up in that area during the week of the Eucharistc Congress in July. A street festival will be a big improvement from a homeless encampment. 

Quote from: NextDoorNeighbor on Dec 13, 2023, 04:30 PMOldest Catholic church in Indy plans $2.7M parish center downtown

The oldest Catholic church in Indianapolis plans to construct a $2.7 million parish center as part of its downtown campus, with a goal of completing the project in time for a major conference slated for the city next summer.

St. John the Evangelist, 126 W. Georgia St., is making the investment in the 2,800-square-foot facility as part of a larger $5.5 million renovation to the property that started in 2021. The one-story center—which will also feature a rooftop terrace—is expected to occupy a portion of the church's parking lot on the northeast corner of South Capitol Avenue and West Georgia Street.

Immediately adjacent to the south side of the church, the parish center would be used for gatherings and events, as well as an access point into other parts of the campus. That would include the rectory and parish office building on the east side of the property.

More below:
https://www.ibj.com/articles/oldest-catholic-church-in-indy-plans-2-7m-parish-center-downtown