Downtown Issue 2026 – Indianapolis Business Journal

Downtown Indianapolis continues to wrestle with familiar problems — but it also faces some big opportunities. Chief among them is Downtown West, an emerging and ambitious proposal to remake West Street and its interstate connections to better link major education, life sciences and tourism assets. In this special issue, IBJ also examines development, public safety and homelessness. And we pose the question: Will Indy ever develop the White River? Plus, three mayoral hopefuls and the leaders of Indiana University Indianapolis and Purdue University in Indianapolis share their ideas for downtown.

A bold vision

Pricey Downtown West plan would remake West Street, interstate gateways

Crime and confidence

Reported crime is down downtown, but rebuilding a sense of safety is proving more difficult

Indy is spending $45M to combat homelessness. Is it helping?

Prickly neighbors

Often at odds, state and Indy leaders still find ways to collaborate

Downtown’s comeback remains under construction

Major investments are bringing crowds and new development, but leaders say more residents and everyday activity are needed to sustain the momentum

Owners say downtown enhancement fee is working

A packed schedule

See a list of completed, in-progress, planned and possible downtown development projects.

JULIA BREAKEY

Tomorrow Bookstore owner

MICHAEL CRANFILL

District Tap owner

IBJ readers see promise
and problems downtown

IBJ readers give downtown strong marks for restaurants and entertainment, and many are enthusiastic about development taking place in the urban core.

But respondents to an IBJ survey this month also said they see significant shortcomings.

Home stretch

New Indiana University Health hospital roughly a year away from completion

Five things to know about Indianapolis’ revamped soccer push

Will Indianapolis ever develop its riverfront?

C. PERRY GRIFFITH III

Denison Parking president

WILLIAM HOGG

Red’s Classic Barber Shop owner

Indianapolis mayoral candidates weigh in: IBJ asked all the candidates running for mayor of Indianapolis what they believe to be the biggest area of opportunity for the city’s downtown and what steps they would take to turn those opportunities into reality.