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."
-
Officials share safety tips after deadly flooding on Indiana roads
Heavy rain is causing flooding on roads across central Indiana and nearby counties, creating dangerous and deadly conditions for drivers.
$1 IPS building sale will help more students with autism across Indianapolis
A charter school serving students with autism is now expanding its mission to serve even more students across the city. It comes thanks to a $1 building sale from Indianapolis Public Schools.
White River State Park cancels 15-acre expansion plans, citing financial reasons
Indiana state officials have abandoned plans to expand White River State Park in Indianapolis, citing financial reasons, leaving neighbors uncertain about the future of the vacant land.
Leaders across central Indiana examine data center growth and community impact
Leaders across central Indiana are taking a closer look at data centers, weighing whether bringing more of them to the region would help grow the local economy or create new challenges.
