Cultural Trail wins national kudos

A couple of topics to discuss:

More praise for Trail

In its March newsletter, New York-based Project for Public Spaces named Indianapolis one of five “Great Cities” thanks to the Cultural Trail project. The other cities are Melbourne, Zurich, Bogota and Hong Kong. The article is here. Hat tip to thundermutt, a blog regular.

Simon CEO says park improved

Simon Property Group CEO David Simon had some interesting remarks at the IU Business Conference this morning. He said the company increasingly views its 379 malls, which boast 2.8 billion visits per year, as marketing vehicles. Simon also addressed complaints about how the company built its new headquarters on what had been a park. He said he never saw anyone enjoying the park before the new building, but now it’s full of people. “I think we beautified it,” he said.

The latest from Broad Ripple

A deal is in the works that could bring a new use to a prime Broad Ripple parcel on Guilford Avenue. The property between Spin nightclub and Qdoba now is home to Quality Leasing Inc., which is owned by car dealer Tom Wood. If Quality Leasing can find a new home, the owners might sell the building and adjacent parking lot. Retail/commercial broker Bob Enoch has a client who has offered to buy the property. He would not name his client, but said it isn’t another restaurant/bar. Brothers Bar & Grill plans to open across the street.

And finally, don’t miss …

A couple of recent stories in the print IBJ might be of interest to Property Lines readers: We look at whether real estate investment trusts are ready for a comeback; and we talk with the city’s new economic development director, Nick Weber. Check out what he says about the Market Square Arena site.