Subscriber Benefit
As a subscriber you can listen to articles at work, in the car, or while you work out. Subscribe Now
Nearly one dozen downtown Indianapolis buildings and businesses have boarded up their windows and glass doors for Election Day, even though local law enforcement leaders and downtown officials aren’t expecting demonstrations that could spark vandalism or looting.
Most of the buildings that now feature protective window coverings are on or within two blocks of Monument Circle, a primary scene of several nights of protests—and, eventually, violent riots—in May and early June, following the deaths of unarmed black individuals at the hands of police in other cities.
During those incidents, dozens of businesses experienced millions of dollars in property damage. In fact, some boards that were installed following those protests are still in place, such as at TJ Maxx on Illinois Street and on the King Cole building at Meridian and Washington streets.
While most downtown business owners have chosen not to board up, concerns that election results might spur new incidents of rioting have led several businesses to take precautions.
“We are understanding businesses are wrestling with this decision,” said Bob Schultz, vice president of communications for Downtown Indy Inc., which represents hundreds of businesses in the city’s core. “We understand the pain and the costs and lost business revenue that continue to result from the the destructive acts that took place at the end of May. Nobody wants to repeat that, including … a majority of people who come down to peacefully demonstrate.”
Schultz said the Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department has indicated that there’s no expectation of demonstrations occurring Tuesday.
The buildings that are now boarded up include the former Anthem headquarters on Monument Circle, Market Tower at 10 W. Market St. and some storefronts at the Circle Tower building, particularly along West Market Street. The Old National Bank branch on Monument Circle and Huntington Bank branch at 45 N. Pennsylvania St. have plywood coverings, as do some businesses along South Meridian Street, including Barnes & Thornburg LLP and First Financial Bank.
Part of the Emmis Communications building on Monument Circle also is covered. And My Eye Doctor, an eye care practice on Monument Circle boarded up its windows over the weekend.
Windsor Jewelry, near Monument Circle, has put up boards, too—the same ones it used after the store was ransacked during the riots in late May. The Teachers Credit Union building across from the Indiana State Capitol building appears to be the building furthest from the Circle to have protective window coverings in place. Some additional businesses and buildings may decide to board up on Tuesday.
IMPD Deputy Chief Joshua Barker confirmed Monday that no demonstration activities are planned for downtown this week.
“IMPD has no verified threats [related] to the election here in Marion County,” he said. “We can provide as much information as possible to the downtown businesses and residents, but individuals have to make the decision that’s right for them and their property. But right now, I don’t have any reason to believe that tomorrow is going to be any different than any other election.”
Even so, Barker said IMPD has taken “significant measures to ensure that we have the appropriate staffing to respond to any issues that should arise.”
Danielle Cooney, the general manager of Soupremacy restaurant near Monument Circle, told The Associated Press on Monday she doesn’t want to board up, but fears that if the election gets so heated and emotional, some people could act out.
“I have to make the decision that’s best for my stuff and my store, and I do think that will be boarding up at some point,” Cooney said.
The restaurant is reusing the boards it used in June, adorned with a mural painted by a local artist as part of a temporary beautification project in the aftermath of the rioting.
Both Barker and Schultz said putting window coverings up for Election Day is something neither has neither has seen before. But they also said owners are understandably concerned after the social unrest earlier this year compounded by stress resulting from the ongoing pandemic.
“I think it’s a visible representation of some of the some of the feelings that our country is is trying to process right now,” Barker said.
Please enable JavaScript to view this content.
Courtesy of your local Biden voters
Those kinds of comments, Chris, do little to change the dialogue. Violence, looting, rioting perpetrated by anyone is WRONG. One-sided statements would be included in that list and, on their own, do their own damage to the cause of anyone who wishes to assemble peaceably. Someday, Chris, I hope you see your way clear to, once again, embrace The UNITED States of America.
the biden voters are the ones who hate the country
John P. Niether does letting it happen, which is what Hoggset did before, and is letting hsppen again. He should lead, stand for protecting those businesses. They should have been reassured IT WON’T HAPPEN AGAIN. but no, he hides and waits for whatever happens, happens.
Our street and highways are filthy. Full of trash thanks mayor! Now we’re boarding up the city because of you and your buddies.
They are full of trash thanks to a careless population. Also, the mayor isn’t responsible for trash on the highways. The mayor isn’t responsible for the boarding up either. That’s happening in every city across the country due to the angry orange man.
ooooooo…orange man bad! Wesley your TDS is really getting worse. if he wins – what country are you moving to? just curious…
Hogsett’s plan:
STAND DOWN
Of course they’re boarding up!!
FACT: Radical leftists unchecked by Boss Hogsett are the reason for the destruction, filth, and fear downtown.
No one is boarding up businesses out of fear of conservatives.
“I think it’s a visible representation of some of the some of the feelings that our country is is trying to process right now,” Barker said.
What an absurd statement. The businesses are not doing this as a “visible representation” to “process feelings”. They are boarding up their businesses to try and protect their livelihoods. They clearly remember last May when the Mayor and IMPD failed to protect their businesses. They can’t count on the City so they have to take matters into their own hands.
Why won’t the mayor comment on his plans to protect his citizens?
Why is his office referring all media to IMPD?
What a coward.
It’s just “folks blowing off steam.”
Hey everyone, cities across the country are boarding up! Is it Mayor Hogsett’s fault that every city across the country is boarding up? No, it’s a national problem. Who do we normally blame for national problems when they’ve controlled the country for four years? Oh yeah, that’s right. The President. Don’t worry, at least he’ll be gone soon, and all of you have committed to not rioting when he loses. Guess there’s nothing to worry about.
Republican led cities are not boarded up.
Why are only democrat run cities with democrat appointed police departments boarded up?
Mayor Joe has abandoned the IMPD he appointed and the citizens who elected him.
Is that what a leader does?
Bernard L, do a quick google search before you make untrue statements.
https://timesofsandiego.com/business/2020/11/02/growing-number-of-downtown-stores-boarding-up-over-feared-election-unrest/
Most of the comments made here seem like projection. It just might be the culmination of all of the actions and rhetoric that made the occupant of the White House feel like erecting an unscalable wall was reasonable. I don’t really remember ever needing something like that for the last the several administrations. Maybe it is something particular to this administration?