INDIANAPOLIS — The Downtown Canal can be one of the most relaxing places in Indianapolis, but two large construction projects are temporarily breaking that tranquility.
Construction recently intensified where the canal meets Indiana Avenue. Purdue University is building a 12-story student housing tower on the site, which could open in the fall of 2026. The building will also feature space for shops and restaurants at canal level.
Further south on the canal, the new Indiana State Archives building between New York and Ohio streets is approaching the finish line. The archives broke ground in August 2023 and are estimated to finish late this year.
Both major construction projects are using scaffolding to detour canal walkers around the work. The city also closed part of Indiana Avenue for the Purdue tower construction.
While construction has altered parts of the canal, some visitors are still enjoying the walk by the water.
"We used to come down with my friends in high school and college and hang out," said Kara Hakos, who recently moved back to Indianapolis after 20 years away. "They've developed it quite a bit since I was here last. I love the walking."
Hakos said she is encouraged by how much the canal has improved already since she left the Circle City.
"Some of the landscaping is a little bit more built out," Hakos said. "The biggest change? I don't know that they had the swan boats when I was here last. They had paddle boats, but I don't think they were the swan boats."
-
Missing Indianapolis teen Traevion Pirtle found dead, IMPD confirms
IMPD is asking the community to help locate a missing 18-year-old, who was last seen in the 3600 block of Cedar Pine Lane.
Meet the Indiana nonprofit putting new shoes on thousands of kids' feet
For thousands of kids across Indiana, New Shoe Day says "shoe insecurity" is a real barrier to safety, comfort and confidence.
Indiana's statewide tornado drill is Tuesday morning: Here's how to be ready
During this drill, you may hear outdoor warning sirens or get alerts on your phone. In the morning, these alerts are all part of a test.
Gov. Braun says energy affordability plan is working. Here's what's changed.
Governor Mike Braun held a press conference Monday, highlighting what he says are early results from Indiana's new approach to lowering energy costs for ratepayers.
