Feature
Bush stadium to become site of loft-style apartments, part of new technology district 6.17.11
FOX 59
Indianapolis--Thursday, the City of Indianapolis revealed detailed plans to breathe new life into an historic landmark on the near west side. Bush Stadium has been vacant for nearly 20 years. The site of the former Indianapolis Indians' field will soon become apartments.
Indianapolis Mayor Greg Ballard along with other city leaders announced the plans Thursday morning. The outside of the ballpark facade will be preserved but on the inside, 100 loft-style apartments will be built.
There are also plans for retail or restaurants on the front side of the stadium. The project is part of a bigger idea that Mayor Ballard is behind called the 16 Downtown Technology District ("16 Tech"). 16 Tech is being designed and marketed to attract to Downtown Indianapolis research firms, contract service providers, and high-tech companies in such industries as information technology, health information technology, motorsports, biotechnology, and clean energy.
This master plan, according to the mayor's office, will be anchored by Helix Park. Helix Park will be a multi-acre central park.
RebuildIndy is investing $3 million in an Indiana Avenue Streetscape project that will create a signature avenue through the new technology district, serving as a pedestrian-friendly gateway from both 10th and 16th streets. The streetscape includes the development of the Technology Trail, patterned after the Indianapolis Cultural Trail, expanded pedestrian zones, trees and street level plantings, new lighting and public art.
"Indianapolis is making unprecedented investments in our neighborhoods in order to create new jobs and attract new business," said Mayor Ballard. "The projects we are announcing today set the stage for Indianapolis to be a leader in the 21st-century economy."
The city hopes 16 Tech and Bush Stadium will become a destination place for modern urban living.
"The 16 Tech District will help Central Indiana's life sciences and technology sectors flourish while benefiting the surrounding neighborhoods," said Congressman Andre Carson, an avid supporter of the project. "I look forward to the greater community investment that 16 Tech's collaboration, research, and scientific discovery will foster."
I’m honored to serve as Mayor of our great city. Every day I work to represent all the citizens of Marion County . . .