INDIANAPOLIS — IU Health on Tuesday unveiled plans for a huge parking facility and loading dock that will use robotic vehicles to load supplies into the new $1.6 billion downtown hospital.
According to plans filed recently with the Indianapolis Metropolitan Development Commission, IU Health is planning a "support building" with five- to eight-levels of parking, a loading dock and office and retail space on its campus near 16th Street and Capital Avenue.
"The building, occupying nearly a full block, will provide critical support needs for the adjacent new hospital and is designed to be compatible with the look of the hospital and other campus structures," IU Health said in a news release.
The support building has a brick-and-granite base with glass storefronts housing up to 13,000-square feet of retail space fronting Capitol Avenue. A perforated metal facade covers upper garage levels that house parking spots for 1,600 to 2,700 vehicles.
The campus will be pedestrian-friendly with sidewalks and native plants. A pedestrian bridge will connect the support building to the hospital.
Automated vehicles will ferry supplies from the loading dock to the hospital via a hidden utility tunnel. Those driverless, robotic vehicles will be "largely unseen by patients and visitors," according to the news release.
IU Health also unveiled plans for a new Central Utility Plant, that will house an energy-efficient power plant, chillers, boilers, heat-recovery coolers, steam for sterilization and fire protection water, along with backup power generators.
"The support building and utility plant are essential support elements for the new downtown hospital and expanded medical campus," James Mladucky, vice president of design and construction for IU Health, said in a statement. "Designed to mesh aesthetically with the evolving campus, the buildings will provide the critical logistics and energy requirements to support IU Health’s unique healthcare mission and ensure the efficient operation of a leading-edge academic health center that will serve future generations of Hoosiers."
The $1.6 billion project will expand the hospital's 16th Street campus by 44 acres. It is scheduled to be completed by 2026.
PREVIOUS: IU Health outlines plans for $1.6B expansion in Downtown Indianapolis
Project updates can be found on IU Health's website.
Contact WRTV reporter Vic Ryckaert at victor.ryckaert@wrtv.com or on Twitter: @vicryc.
-
How the First Black Postmaster of McCordsville marked her stamp on history
Norma Florence, 84, has spent most of her life working in post offices across Central Indiana—from Camby to Broad Ripple. But in 1985, she made her mark in McCordsville in a historic way.
17-year-old shot in Martindale Brightwood, found in abandoned apartment
Police are investigating after a 17-year-old boy was shot in an abandoned apartment early Monday morning.
Natasha Howard scores 17 as Fever beat Mystics 84-65, clinch playoff spot
Natasha Howard scored 17 points and the Indiana Fever beat the Washington Mystics 94-65 on Sunday to clinch a spot in the 2025 WNBA playoffs.
Colts end 11-year season opener drought with 33-8 rout of Dolphins
The Indianapolis Colts dominated Miami 33-8 at Lucas Oil Stadium on Sunday, ending an 11-year season opener losing streak.
