Indianapolis Business Journal

Veterans could see major investments in their medical care in central Indiana if Congressnapproves more than $2 billion earmarked for a new hospital in Indianapolis and outpatient facility in Fishers. IBJ’s Mickey Shuey has more on the plan for the new facilities. Also in this week’s issue, Elissa Maudlin lays out a new plan from Carmel to upgrade the massive parking lots along U.S. 31. And Dave Lindquist reports on the growth of a new sport born 25 years ago in a parking lot for Indianapolis Motor Speedway.

IBJ’s string of annual Innovation Issues kicked off in 2015. Since then, we’ve taken deep dives into artificial intelligence, blockchain, drones, disruption, advanced manufacturing, battery power, groundbreaking medicines, NFTs, IoT and the way we now pair food with technology in the agriculture sector. For this year’s issue, we’re taking a look back to get updates on the people and startups we featured and whether predictions of how these technologies would affect us in the future actually have panned out.

The opening of the main building of the Contemporary Art Museum of Indianapolis is merely days away after more than seven years of planning. Dave Lindquist has the lowdown on the opening exhibitions, studio artists and storefront businesses. Also in this week’s paper, Mickey Shuey tracks the challenges of staging IndyCar’s first race in Washington, D.C. And Elissa Maudlin outlines the long-planned, pedestrian-friendly infrastructure upgrades now underway in downtown Noblesville.

Meet IBJ's 34th Forty Under 40 class, a group that includes leaders making an impact across business, government and the arts. Plus, Ossium Health Inc., founded in 2016 by CEO Kevin Caldwell and Chief Science Officer Erik Woods, has a goal to build a massive bank of bone marrow from deceased organ donors to to treat patients with blood cancers and improve organ transplantations. Reporter Daniel Bradley writes about how the San Francisco-based company's Indianapolis facility freezes bone marrow sourced from the spinal columns of organ donors age 7 to 55. Once the marrow is cryopreserved, it is usable for at least 25 years. Dave Lindquist has the scoop on a planned Mouratoglou Tennis Center — the latest location for a company founded by the coach of some of the world's best players — in Noblesville. And don't miss this month's Forefront, which features columns about health care costs from the Democrats seeking the 7th District congressional nomination.

Data centers that check certain boxes and bring in community investment are winning favor from Indianapolis economic development officials and city leaders but haven’t found footing among passionate, organized communities. After an attack on a city-county councilor related to his vote on a data center project, Taylor Wooten examines the disconnect. Also in this week’s issue, Dave Lindquist digs into Café Patachou’s plans to expand out of state. And Mickey Shuey looks ahead to how downtown will change between now and hosting the 2028 Women’s Final Four.

Phil Ray, the general manager of the towering JW Marriott, is going out with a bang as Indianapolis hosts its ninth Final Four. Heading into retirement, he holds court on how Indianapolis can remain a go-to location for major sporting events and conventions. Also in this week’s issue, Daniel Bradley digs into the strategy that has helped Carmel-based BSA LifeStructures become a leader in development of health care facilities. And Susan Orr delves into a lawsuit involving allegations of financial mismanagement at addiction treatment centers.

City leaders long have had high hopes for Lugar Plaza, the two-acre civic park immediately south of the City-County Building, but in recent years it has become a magnet for long-term loitering and drug and alcohol abuse. Taylor Wooten explains the city’s new strategy to refresh the plaza. Also in this week’s issue, Dave Lindquist explains how Lucas Oil Stadium became a reliable concert venue. And in Forefront, five Hoosier politicos suggest ways Indiana could increase voter participation.

Indiana’s largest life sciences companies and research universities are working to make the state an international leader in chemistry innovation by investing more than $100 million to recruit top scientific talent. Daniel Bradley has more on the Catalyst Scholars Fund. Also in this issue, Marek Mazurek explains how the state and the private sector hope to make progress on lowering the cost of child care. And Dave Lindquist previews the free (or low-cost) entertainment options available during the week of the Final Four.

The Indy Chamber is revving up a marketing campaign for the city that seeks to disperse the sense of Midwestern modesty that Indianapolis projects. Dave Lindquist details the plans for “Speed City.” Also in this week’s issue, Daniel Bradley digs into the singular career of Tim Coleman, who grew up in Indianapolis and became chief technology officer for Eli Lilly and Co. And Susan Orr reports that some employers are trying to tighten up their dress codes after letting then slide in the post-pandemic era.

In 2024, the city of Indianapolis obtained the 15-acre site on the near-east side that formerly housed the Indiana Women’s Prison. Taylor Wooten reports that many questions remain about how it should be redeveloped. Also in this week;s issue, Dave Linquist goes behind the scenes of the decision to create a new restaurant in place of the highly regarded Milktooth in Fletcher Place. And Daniel Bradley tracks the rise in stock price and revenue for Indianapolis-based Elanco Animal Health.

Owners of independent music venues are pulling back the curtain and speaking candidly about their financial struggles. IBJ’s Dave Lindquist reports that the move is intended to give audiences a chance to support small stages before it’s too late. Also in this week’s issue, Taylor Wooten recounts what happened to proposed state legislation that would have usurped Indy’s billboard regulations. And Lindquist also shares a peek at items from Jim Irsay’s massive pop culture memorabilia collection that soon will be auctioned.

Indianapolis-based mall giant Simon Property Group bettered Wall Street expectations in 2025, thanks to increases in the rent it charges retailers and higher sales figures across its 254 propoerties. Mickey Shuey digs into Simon’s strategy. Also in this week’s issue, Taylor Wooten reports on the likelihood that state legislators will pare down Indiana’s township government model. And in IBJ’s Q&A feature, Jill Ehnes describes her rise to president of Delta Faucet.

The Indiana Forest Alliance switched strategies in its efforts to preserve forested parcels in Indianapolis. Taylor Wooten explores its plan to persuade private landowners in specific areas to sell their properties to public entities. Also in this week’s issue, Dave Lindquist reports on the retail turnover at 17^th and Bellefontaine streets that’s generating buzz for the Kennedy King neighborhood. And Daniel Bradley explains how Hancock Health is reaching out to women to expand conversations about health topics affecting female patients.

Since IUPUI split in 2024, Indiana University and Purdue University have dedicated hundreds of millions of dollars to their respective downtown campuses to grow programs and attract students. Mickey Shuey has a progress report. Also in this week’s issue, Daniel Bradley explains how Indiana’s hospitals are enduring financial challenges that threaten their ability to provide services. And Marek Mazurek breaks down how state lawmakers hope to ease regulations for homebuilders.

Professional sports experts say past NFL stadium deals might offer Indiana lawmakers a few clues to what a Lake County deal could mean for both the team and the state. Also in this week's issue, Taylor Wooten reports that the new leaders of the City-County Council want to quash internal drama going forward to focus on policymaking, collaboration and transparency. And Dave Lindquist points toward a possible rock renaissance for Indiana bands.

Indiana-based Guardian Bikes makes its bicycles in the United States, and it recently proposed to the feds that some of the primary materials in imported bicycles be subject to an additional 50% tariff. Daniel Lee reports that this has put Guardian at odds with much of the bicycle industry. Also in this week’s issue, Marek Mazurek unpacks proposed legislation that would allow businesses to get electricity from a provider other than their local utility company. And Daniel Bradley gets the lowdown on the celebrity chef who opened Clutch Kitchen this month in The Yard at Fishers District.

At and around Gainbridge Fieldhouse, Herb Simon and his family have spent more than $26 million the past two years buying more than a half-dozen downtown properties. IBJ’s Mickey Shuey details the latest transactions and puts them in the context of the family’s ambitions downtown. Also in this week’s issue, Daniel Bradley explains how the owners of Okonori Japanese High Kitchen tried to distill the spirit of a high-end Asian dining experience in the new Carmel eatery. And Susan Orr reports on a lawsuit claiming that small financial institutions across the state are owed hundreds of millions of dollars held in a state-run bank deposit insurance fund.