INDIANAPOLIS — A graffiti-covered high-rise across Meridian Street from Shortridge High School has been empty since before some current Shortridge students were born. A developer has a plan to bring the tower back to life.
TWG is finalizing plans to renovate the nine-story building into the Grand Meridian, an apartment building with nearly 100 affordable housing units. The developer could start work as soon as this summer if its funding plan is approved by City-County Council.
Crown Hill Neighborhood Association president Danita Hoskin said the building is an eyesore compared to everything around it.
"Who wants to live next to this? Who wants to work next to this?" Hoskin said. "Those children, the youth at Shortridge, deserve better than to look out of their windows and see this."
The tower has stood empty for at least 15 years. Many of its windows are broken after Indianapolis Fire Department firefighters used the building for training.
TWG hopes to use a funding procedure called "payment in lieu of taxes," or PILOT, to finance the Grand Meridian. If approved, TWG would spend a certain amount of money upfront in order to save on the site's property taxes later.
The PILOT application went through the city's Metropolitan Economic Development Committee on Monday and will face a full City-County Council vote on June 9.
Department of Metropolitan Development communications director Auboni Hart said the developer is required to include certain amenities if the PILOT is approved.
"In doing this, it will include free WiFi throughout the building and an academic excellence program," Hart said.
Hoskin is optimistic for how the revived tower could improve Crown Hill.
"Some people see this and they see blight," Hoskin said. "I see something like this and I see opportunity."
-
Arrest made in near north side shooting, leaving man critically injured
A 32-year-old woman was arrested after a man was left in critical condition following a Friday afternoon shooting on the near north side of Indianapolis, police said.
Why Quenton Nelson loves playing with Colts QB Daniel Jones
Colts guard Quenton Nelson has been a mainstay in Indianapolis. He is entering year nine and has played his entire career with the Colts.
Owen County deputy released from hospital after being shot during welfare check
An Owen County detective sergeant who was shot during a welfare check last week has been released from the hospital.
Eiteljorg Museum hosts free Juneteenth event
You can go to the Eiteljorg Museum for free on Friday to celebrate Juneteenth. The museum is offering a chance to celebrate holiday through music, dance and interactive activities.
