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."
-
Westfield Police investigating "suspicious" death, victim identified
According to a post on social media, Westfield Police responded to the 3900 block of Westfield Road to assist medics on the report of a person down inside a residence at around 7:24 p.m.
Jones remains focused on being ready to start Week 1 after new deal with Colts
Jones returned to the Indianapolis Colts team complex with a new two-year contract worth up to $100 million and a promising timetable for his return to play — the 2026 regular-season opener.
When seconds matter: Indiana officials consider hyper-local weather warnings
While some counties still send alerts or sound outdoor warning sirens county-wide during severe weather, others are starting to use this hyper-local approach to limit the number of alerts you receive.
New VA Clinic planned for Indy's eastside
A new VA clinic on Indianapolis' east side is one step closer to becoming a reality after supporters signed the final beam being used in its construction.
