City may soon demolish Keystone Towers 2.9.11

WTHR

Indianapolis - One of the biggest eyesores in Indianapolis may soon disappear. City leaders say they're finally in a position to demolish the abandoned Keystone Towers complex near the Indiana State Fairgrounds. It has been empty for several years, attracting squatters and trouble.

Lynn Farrow works in a union office across the street from the complex.

"I got here in 1997 and the first thing I remember was a pregnant woman got shot over there during a drug deal. That's what first turned me off to the whole thing," said Farrow.

Farrow and her colleagues have been waiting for years to see the eyesore renovated or torn down.

"We've seen things thrown out of the windows, the SWAT team in there. We've seen robbers running in," said Linda Westbrook.

Change is on the horizon. County Commissioners granted the city ownership February 4th after the previous owner, North Carolina-based Southeastern Partners, Inc., failed to meet the deadline to pay more than a half million dollars in back taxes and penalties.

The property was part of the county's tax sale in March 2010. No one bid on it with Southeastern given 120 days to pay off the debt.

Reggie Walton, who works in the city's Department of Metropolitan Development, said plans are to tear the complex down and seek proposals for redevelopment.

"For a long time it's been an eyesore and has effected the quality of life for the community and the city as a whole. Because of its massive size, 15 stories, it can be seen for miles away," said Walton.

Asked about renovation, he replied, "I don't see the potential for it to be rehabbed, no."

But that's exactly what Zach Goss wants to do. Goss, who founded Veteran's Construction Group, wants to turn the building into veteran's complex with housing, and other resources for homeless veterans and those in transition.

Goss said he's been working on the plans and the funding for two years. He estimates it will take $42 million. He said he plans to raise that money through grants and donations. 

Goss said early on the city expressed support for the project, even offering to give the group the building once the city acquired it.

"Everyone was on board and now we're angry because the city had said 'how'd you like to have the building?' and two years later we finally get it and they're saying, 'no you can't have it,'" said Goss.

Walton said while city officials were aware of the proposal, they never promised the building to anyone, adding that Goss's group is encouraged to submit it plans once the city seeks proposals.

In the meantime, Mark Wilson with Southeastern Partners confirmed that he recently gave the deed to Keystone Towers to Goss.

But Marion County Treasurer Michael Rodman said it doesn't matter. Wilson lost claim to the property after it went through the tax sale and the subsequent period to pay off the lien.

Goss said he'll take the city to court if necessary. Walton said the city is not worried. They plan to move forward.

He said they hope to demolish Keystone Towers by year's end. That's once they find the up to $2 million it will cost to tear down.

As for what the city would like to see there? Walton said, "What's mainly on the table is assisted living or senior housing. Maybe a pocket park or urban gardens."

Back at the union office, employees say they just want a new view.

Looking out the window, Westbook said, "I'm just tickled. Can I have it now? It's a good space and it should be utilized." 

http://www.wthr.com/story/13993529/city-may-soon-demolish-keystone-towers