Indianapolis Business Journal

Over the past five years, Fishers economic development officials have repeatedly tried to find a new use for the former Fry’s Electronics property along Interstate 69 — with no discernable success. Mickey Shuey digs into the reasons why progress has been slow. Also in this week’s issue, Cameron Shaw reports that landlords are confronting a new threat you wouldn’t expect for a brick-and-mortar business: artificial intelligence. And IBJ’s Focus section this week examines the likelihood that extreme weather will pose a growing threat to Indiana businesses.

A coalition of Indianapolis business, civic and institutional leaders is developing an ambitious plan to reshape downtown’s west side, including a near-complete reworking of West Street and major changes to the street’s connections with Interstates 65 and 70. And that’s just the beginning of our content this week about the economic heart of central Indiana. Most of the issue is dedicated to stories about how downtown has changed since the pandemic, how it rates for safety and other quality of life measures, the effect of splitting IUPUI into two independent institutions and how a variety of big-swing economic development proposals have fared. Spoiler alert: Several are close to completion, while others have all but fizzled.

In this week’s issue, we present the honorees in IBJ’s 2026 20 in Their Twenties awards program, featuring young leaders already making a big impact in central Indiana. And with less than two months to go before the midterm elections. IBJ’s Forefront magazine tackles the question of whether more limits are needed on mail-in ballots.

In just about any city, you can expect to find a local sporting event on TV at a local bar. However, as IBJ’s Mickey Shuey reports, some of the details are still up in the air for bar owners in Indianapolis who need to sign deals with the streaming service that’s broadcasting Pacers games this season. Also in this week’s issue, Taylor Wooten digs into the early impact of a five-year city program to house the homeless. And Daniel Bradley examines the potential effects of prediction markets on the pharmaceutical industry.

A glut of spending by multifamily investors and developers in recent years is helping reshape Westfield’s housing market. Mickey Shuey reports that local officials are hoping to curb additional development. Also in this week’s issue, Daniel Bradley outlines Eli Lilly and Co.’s latest fight against the black market for medicines. And Cameron Shaw has an update on construction of the hotel being added to the terminal of Indianapolis International Airport, which could land ahead of schedule.

Infrastructure projects along Shelby Street and other nearby roads are making it harder for customers to reach shops, restaurants and other businesses in the Fountain Square and Garfield Park neighborhoods. Reporter Dave Lindquist talks with business owners about the impact the projects are having on their bottom lines. Meanwhile in Broad Ripple, a local developer has given itself until late October to address residents’ concerns before moving forward on a mixed-use project with nearly 100 apartments in Broad Ripple. Plus, IBJ talks with Mark Garrison, vice president of Nicholas & Associates, about the developer's move into central Indiana.

The flooding of the White River and its tributaries last weekend tested records set more than a century ago. But experts say the collective response from mayors and department heads across Hamilton County stood out for the degree of coordination and collaboration. This week’s IBJ has a broad collection of stories on the impact of the flooding and how area officials responded. Also in this week’s issue, Dave Lindquist has compiled an exhaustive arts and entertainment guide for this fall, including his picks for can’t-miss events.

The federal push to expand broadband access to rural areas recently has taken some head-spinning turns related to the participation of Elon Musk’s firm Starlink. Greg Weaver reports on the latest developments in Indiana. Also in this week’s issue, Dave Lindquist details more than $10 million in grants awarded to Indy-area arts and culture organizations through the state’s READI 2.0 initiative. And Daniel Bradley lays out the economic case for Butler University’s new bachelor’s of science degree in respiratory therapy.

Since the site of the Carrier-Bryant plant in the Riverside neighborhood became vacant more than 40 years ago, it has resisted attempts for redevelopment. IBJ’s Taylor Wooten reports that city officials are pitching a new vision for the 20-acre site that includes a mix of housing, commercial and light industrial development. Also in this week’s issue, Dave Lindquist details a traveling program designed to promote Black-owned businesses in Indianapolis, Carmel and Brownsburg. And Sam Stall unpacks the story of a bespoke menswear company in Carmel that's attempting to become a national luxury brand.

While construction on the State Road 37 conversion through Noblesville won’t begin until 2031, local and state officials are already honing design plans for a project that aims to permanently reshape one of Hamilton County’s business commercial corridors. Mickey Shuey sets the stage. Also in this week’s issue, Susan explains how Indiana is playing a key role in both advancing the development of quantum computing and addressing security concerns. And Lesley Weidenbener gets the inside story on the mission for the $48 million Amplify Hancock Innovation Center.

Since The Yard opened near 116^th Street and Ikea Way in 2019, Fishers District has expanded into a mixed-use development representing more than $900 million in completed and committed investment. Mickey Shuey explains how the big bet is paying off. Also in this week’s paper, Daniel Bradley reports that two Noblesville residents have created a platform for helping families care for aging loved ones. And this week’s issue also includes the Indiana 250, IBJ Media’s annual list of the most influential business and community leaders in the state.

As the start of a new academic year looms, Indiana colleges and universities are facing significant uncertainty over how their postbaccalaureate students will pay for their education. Susan Orr reports on the effects of the Department of Education’s new lending limits for students pursuing graduate or professional degrees. Also in this week’s issue, Dave Lindquist clocks the progress of Main Street in Speedway as an economic engine. And Daniel Bradley examines Langham Logistics’ new focus on pharmaceutical cold storage.

Construction is underway in West Lafayette on the $3.9 billion semiconductor manufacturing plant for SK Hynix, despite an unresolved legal question over rezoning the land. Joey Harris has the latest. Also in this week’s issue, Daniel Bradley lays out the strategy for Parkview Health as it tries to expand its network into central Indiana. And Susan Orr has a progress report on how Republic Airways and Mesa Air Group are unifying operations after their recent merger.

Swiss pharmaceuticals giant Roche continues an expansion project at its Indianapolis-based diagnostics unit as it awaits U.S. regulatory approval for a new diabetes treatment. Daniel Bradley has the latest on the $550 million investment. Also in this week’s issue, Susan Orr reports that local nonprofits and wealth managers are seeing a growing interest in charitable gifts that are distributed from an estate after a donor’s death. And Dave Lindquist explains how two local teenagers are building careers in the music business.

Indy-based Elanco Animal Health is among the companies taking a leading role in combating the re-emergence of a deadly parasitic fly that was pushed out of the United States six decades ago. Daniel Bradley explains how Elanco is taking on the screwworm. Also on this week’s issue, Susan Orr delves into the state’s initiative to accelerate the use of AI by Indiana businesses. And Taylor Wooten explores efforts to increase the flow of educators into math and science classrooms.

As Indiana officials work to secure a stadium deal with the Chicago Bears, the Indianapolis Colts are beginning to formulate goals for a future round of negotiations for their lease at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mickey Shuey explains what could be in play. Also in this week’s issue, Elissa Maudlin reports on how Hamilton County is addressing a child care gap. And Dave Lindquist delves into a plan from two entrepreneurs to create a theater in downtown Noblesville.

Developers of data centers often seek incentives from governments that include tax breaks, arguing the projects add value to communities and claiming they’ll go elsewhere without incentives. Critics contend they don’t need them. Reporter Taylor Wooten examines how economic development officials are trying to evaluate whether tax breaks are warranted. Also in this week’s issue, Mickey Shuey reports on a major flag football event slotted for Grand Park. And IBJ’s annual Corporate 100 section spotlights Indiana’s 50 largest public and private companies.

Byrider appears to be back in gear after organizational and pandemic-era struggles. Reporter Susan Orr has the latest on the company's comeback. Plus, reporter Taylor Wooten digs into the changes the Marion County Democratic Party has been undergoing and what it means for the 2027 mayor's race.