INDIANAPOLIS — The nearly 100-year-old Larue Carter Veterans Administration hospital has sat empty near Marian University's campus for nearly a decade. The university is now transforming it into a place for healthy minds.
Marian University officials celebrated the beginning of the old VA hospital's renovation into an education and job training complex on Wednesday. The building will anchor the Riverside Education Innovation District (REID), which hopes to increase the quality of life and education in Marian's neighborhood.
"It's almost unlimited potential," said Marian University president Dan Elsener. "I worked 10 to 12 years to get this all done. I used to pray we'd get this done and get this thing moving."
The development of REID, which includes the old VA, could cost $137 million and take five years to complete. When it opens, it will host education programs for adults, teenagers, and young children, including pre-kindergarten services.
"It's so important to start at this ground level with children as young as possible because their brains are just sponges," said Michelle Radomsky of St. Mary's Early Childhood Center, which will administer the pre-K program in the building.
"It's a classic attempt to increase human flourishing through partnerships,' Elsener said. "Vincennes University. Catholic schools. Public schools. Charter schools."
The nearby Flanner House will also partner with Marian University and REID when the hub opens. Executive director Brandon Cosby said it will be successful as long as Marian keeps the focus on the neighborhood.
"As much as this is going to stand out as a model across the state, the most important people Marian has to serve are the people who are in closest physical proximation to it," Cosby said. "To have a real plan in place where real work and impact is going to happen for the residents, I think it's huge."
Elsener believes Marian's mission is to make the community around the university better, including through the former VA's renovation.
"We have all these great things a university has, let's put them to work for the good of God's people," Elsener said.
-
IU Health art therapy intern helps patients through her own trauma experience
Lauren Belcher is introducing the patient to the art therapy program. It's about using art activities to help trauma patients process difficult experiences.
Transit advocates want to see more benches at bus stops across Indianapolis
Wednesday was Transit Equity Day. An initiative through Central Indiana Cycling and People We Meet on the Bus is trying to get more benches like this at bus stops across Indianapolis.
Noblesville Schools to cut staff due to financial challenges
Officials at Noblesville Schools announced on Wednesday that they will have to make some staffing reductions in the coming weeks due to significant financial challenges.
Communities honor Hailey Buzbee with pink ribbons to raise awareness
Communities across central Indiana are honoring Hailey Buzbee and rallying behind her family after her remains were found in Ohio on Sunday following her disappearance.
