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."
-
Woman's death on Indy's west side ruled homicide after autopsy
A woman found dead inside a home on Indianapolis' west side died by homicide, police said after an autopsy.
25-year-old man who charged Lawrence officers with knife dies after shooting
Police shot a man who reportedly charged at officers with a knife in Lawrence on Wednesday. The man is currently in critical condition. No officers were injured.
Indy DPW pilot tackles e-scooter clutter downtown
E-scooters are a popular way to get around downtown, but riders say there's an issue with where to park them when they're done.
Man found shot, killed on Indy's north side
A man was found shot and killed Wednesday afternoon on Indianapolis' north side, according to police.
