Plans emerge for vacant former Value City store

Two local entrepreneurs have partnered to develop a new conference and event center in the former Value City department store near Lafayette Square Mall. Sharon Brown of Sharon Brown Events and John Schaeffer of Indy Pro Audio see the 100,000-square-foot space at 5110 Pike Plaza Road as a perfect conference and event alternative to the Indiana Convention Center. It features 1,200 parking spaces and easy access to Interstate 65. They also plan to host concerts, weddings and trade shows in what they’re calling The Venue. Construction has begun on a new lobby, ticketing area and restroom facilities. The facility is slated to open in late November or early December. The Value City store closed in January.