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."
-
Vera Bradley pauses Annual Outlet Sale, plans 2027 return
Vera Bradley is sitting out its Annual Outlet Sale in 2026, saying it wants to reimagine the event before bringing it back in 2027
Airfare expected to rise as oil prices climb, due to conflict in the Middle East
Conflict in the Middle East has driven oil prices higher and consumers have already seen the effect at the gas pump. Experts say the impact may soon reach airline ticket prices.
Over 500 gather for community meeting with Indy Action Coalition
Over 500 Indianapolis residents gathered to discuss a new homelessness law and ICE enforcement at a community meeting on Thursday.
Southeast side tenants looking for answers after major flooding in apartment
Residents paid renters' insurance along with their rent each month. So, they thought they were protected. Until property managers told them their renters' insurance went towards the building.
