INDIANAPOLIS — The former Veterans Affairs hospital on Cold Spring Road, later known at Larue Carter Hospital, is starting to show its age after it emptied out in 2019. Nearby Marian University is about ready to rehabilitate the historic fixer-upper.

The university will make the 94-year-old hospital building the centerpiece of its Riverside Education Innovation District, or REID. Marian plans to start transforming the space into a community education center later this year.
"It's about partnering on literacy initiatives and lifelong educational attainment from cradle to career," said Chris Creighton, Marian University's Vice President of Innovation and Growth. "When I look at the building, I see the potential."

According to Creighton, the work will take about two years to complete. When it's done, organizations and educators from all across the community will have space in the center to help children learn.
"The positive potential for the Northwest area is limitless," Creighton said. "Working together, we can bring this property back to life and continue to improve."

Creighton said the university is not intimidated by the size, age, or decay of the former VA because of the benefits it could have for the community when fixed up.

"I think a lot of people see the problems that the buildings have and the work that needs to be done, but I see the progress that we will make in the coming years," Creighton said.
-
Popping with pride: Indiana leads the nation on National Popcorn Day
Indiana grows more popcorn than any other state, so on National Popcorn Day, Hoosiers are celebrating a treat that is a state tradition and popcorn seeds that are sold around the world.
Bloomington buzzing as fans pack Kirkwood Avenue for IU championship game
Students camp out overnight and alumni travel cross-country as Hoosiers fans flood downtown to shop and watch historic matchup
Kids honor MLK Day with service at Madam Walker Legacy Center
Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. once said, “Life’s most persistent and urgent question is, ‘What are you doing for others?" This MLK Day, hundreds of kids spent part of their day answering that question.
Fishers residents give back to food insecure on MLK National Day of Service
Fishers residents came together on Martin Luther King Jr. Day to participate in the National Day of Service, donating non-perishable food items to local food pantries.