Urban Indiana

Indianapolis airport saw record-setting traffic in 2023

Indianapolis International Airport welcomed an airport-record 9.7 million passengers through its terminal in 2023, which surpassed pre-pandemic numbers.

The airport's traffic marked a 2.6% increase from 2019, its previous record year, and a 12.6% increase from 2022. About 52% of the traffic in 2024 was associated with leisure travel and 46% with business; the remaining 2% was from passengers identifying their trips as a blend of the two categories.

Indianapolis' recovery from the pandemic—meaning how its traffic compares to pre-COVID levels—now stands at 102%, according to Indianapolis Airport Authority officials. Other similarly sized airports in the Midwest average around 96% recovered when compared to figures from 2019, Indianapolis officials said, although they did not immediately provide that data to IBJ.

More below:
https://www.insideindianabusiness.com/articles/indianapolis-airport-saw-record-setting-traffic-in-2023

Study: Growing Boone County needs varied housing options

Boone County is growing, but the big questions are whether it's ready for that growth and how its communities need to prepare for the LEAP Research and Innovation District.

To find answers, the Boone County Economic Development Corp. commissioned a housing study and utility-needs analysis about a year ago.

Boone EDC Executive Director Molly Whitehead said she asked the consultants—Philadelphia-based Urban Partners and Indianapolis-based HWC Engineering—to forecast the county's population over the next quarter century and detail the housing impact.

More below:
https://www.insideindianabusiness.com/articles/study-growing-boone-county-needs-varied-housing-options

Columbus church tower restoration completed

The eight-month, $3.2 million restoration of the iconic tower of First Christian Church in Columbus has been completed.

Work on the 166-foot-high freestanding structure began in April and wrapped up in December, according to a news release from the Landmark Columbus Foundation, which along with the church and the Heritage Fund helped oversee the project.

Extensive work was required, including structural replacements, limestone repairs, brick replacements, ventilation and water vapor control improvements, restoration of the clock and roof upgrades.

More below:
https://www.insideindianabusiness.com/articles/columbus-church-tower-restoration-completed

Allegiant adds nonstop flights in Evansville, South Bend

Las Vegas-based Allegiant Travel Co. is adding nearly a dozen nonstop flights round the country, including two out of airports in Indiana, the airline announced Monday.

Beginning in mid-June, the airline will offer a flight from Evansville Regional Airport to St. Pete-Clearwater International Airport, as well as a flight from South Bend International Airport to McGhee Tyson Airport near Knoxville, Tennessee.

The Evansville and South Bend flights will offer one-way fares as low as $49 and $45, respectively.

More below:
https://www.insideindianabusiness.com/articles/allegiant-adds-nonstop-flights-in-evansville-south-bend

Allegiant adds nonstop flights in Evansville, South Bend

Las Vegas-based Allegiant Travel Co. is adding nearly a dozen nonstop flights round the country, including two out of airports in Indiana, the airline announced Monday.

Beginning in mid-June, the airline will offer a flight from Evansville Regional Airport to St. Pete-Clearwater International Airport, as well as a flight from South Bend International Airport to McGhee Tyson Airport near Knoxville, Tennessee.

The Evansville and South Bend flights will offer one-way fares as low as $49 and $45, respectively.

More below:
https://www.insideindianabusiness.com/articles/allegiant-adds-nonstop-flights-in-evansville-south-bend

New master plan seeks to boost tourism in Fort Wayne, Allen County

Officials in Allen County are looking at ways to boost tourism over the next decade. Visit Fort Wayne on Tuesday released its 10-year Tourism Master Plan, which was developed after a year-long effort that included input from residents and community stakeholders.

The official convention and visitors bureau for Fort Wayne and Allen County said the plan represents a blueprint to help the community serve as a catalyst for post-Covid recovery in the tourism industry and grow quality of life for residents in the county.

Jessa Campbell, director of destination development and communications for Visit Fort Wayne, told Inside INdiana Business the idea stemmed from the growth Fort Wayne has seen over the last decade.

More below:
https://www.insideindianabusiness.com/articles/new-master-plan-seeks-to-boost-tourism-in-fort-wayne-allen-county

Indiana airports to share in $970M for improvements

The Biden administration said Thursday it is providing $970 million for improvements at 114 airports around the country, with work ranging from wider concourses and new baggage-handling systems to new terminals at some small airfields. Three Indiana airports are among those receiving funding.
...
Evansville Regional Airport will receive $3.4 million to replace outdated HVAC equipment, lighting and passenger access systems. Meanwhile, Huntingburg Regional Airport is receiving $3.3 million that will go toward construction of a new, $6 million terminal building that was announced last year.


More below:
https://www.insideindianabusiness.com/articles/indiana-airports-to-share-in-970m-for-improvements

Indiana airports to share in $970M for improvements

The Biden administration said Thursday it is providing $970 million for improvements at 114 airports around the country, with work ranging from wider concourses and new baggage-handling systems to new terminals at some small airfields. Three Indiana airports are among those receiving funding.
...
Fort Wayne International Airport is receiving $21.8 million for a variety of terminal improvements, including modernized HVAC units, insulation, and lighting, as well as improved access for passengers and increasing taxiway separation to the terminal.

The airport is in the midst of a $70 million expansion and renovation of its East Terminal, which is slated for completion in June 2025. A similar project at the airport's West Terminal was completed last year.

More below:
https://www.insideindianabusiness.com/articles/indiana-airports-to-share-in-970m-for-improvements

University of Evansville plans athletic field renovation

University of Evansville Athletics is investing $1.2 million for a major renovation of its varsity and intramural fields.

The current intramural fields along the Lloyd Expressway will be replaced by a turf field that can be used year-round. Both intramural leagues and the Purple Aces soccer program will use the field. An open campus area will also be built.

More below:
https://www.insideindianabusiness.com/articles/university-of-evansville-plans-athletic-field-renovation

Yeah, it's a shame as Evansville's tallest was still in decent condition before they demolished it.  I hope the best comes to the site!