APRIL 26-MAY 2, 2019

Some of the city’s biggest hoteliers are opposed to development of two Hiltons with more than 1,400 rooms on Pan Am Plaza, saying it would create a glut of lodging in the market. Greg Andrews reports that city officials say they are still committed to working toward a deal with the developer. Also in this week’s issue, Hayleigh Colombo reports that Champion drag racer Larry Dixon of Avon has filed a federal antitrust lawsuit against the National Hot Rod Association, alleging the California-based organization—which owns Lucas Oil Raceway in Brownsburg—wrongfully suspended and blacklisted him in 2017. And John Russell explains how Eli Lilly and Co. is donating part of its sprawling campus downtown to the city for use as a public park.

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Amid tensions, plans for Hilton hotel towers on Pan Am Plaza advance

April 25, 2019 |

A powerful group of hoteliers that opposes a proposal to build a pair of hotels on Pan Am Plaza scored a victory in the Legislature. But the plan to construct the project remains very much alive.

Drag racer Larry Dixon sues NHRA, claims wrongful suspension and blacklisting

April 25, 2019 |

Dixon says his career went into a tailspin after the National Hot Rod Association objected to a two-seater that gives fans the thrill of being in a dragster.

Lilly creates public downtown park on edge of its headquarters campus

April 25, 2019 |

The city’s newest park is springing up on the south side of downtown, a district quickly filling up with apartments, offices and retail—and a noticeable shortage of public green space.

Carson’s spot in Circle Centre empty year after closing

April 24, 2019 |

One year after the closure of Carson’s at Circle Centre, city and mall officials are still looking for the right tenant—or mix of tenants—to fill the massive footprint.

British retail giant that bought Finish Line is taking slow approach to U.S. market

April 24, 2019 |

England-based JD Sports Fashion Plc entered the U.S. market in June with its $558 million acquisition of Indianapolis-based Finish Line and says it likes what it sees so far.

Fishers design center aims to fill workforce needs

April 24, 2019 |

The $14 million Hub & Spoke, planned for East 106th Street and Lantern Road, will connect building and design industry tenants to clients and makers all under one roof,

Q&A with Todd Saxton, IU entrepreneurship professor

April 25, 2019 |

This month, Saxton took on an additional position—vice president for business development at Regenstrief Institute, a medical-research organization based in Indianapolis.

Indy startup puts spotlight on concussion detection technology

April 18, 2019 |

Two recent Purdue University graduates have founded Brightlamp—now headquartered in downtown Indianapolis—and this year went to market with an app that helps diagnose of a concussion with nothing more than a cell phone.

Broad Ripple’s Vogue nightclub acquired by trio of tech executives

April 17, 2019 | Susan Orr

Broad Ripple’s historic nightclub has its first new ownership since 1986. The new owners plan to maintain the Vogue as a live-music venue while expanding into other types of programming.

Carmel official says Brainard created ‘toxic environment’; mayor calls relationship consensual

April 22, 2019 |

Clerk-Treasurer Christine Pauley said Mayor Jim Brainard created a difficult work environment by pushing her to go on trips with him. But the mayor said in a statement that the two briefly dated and the timing of the accusations—just two weeks before the primary—is “interesting.”

Splashy designation: National park status raises Indiana Dunes’ profile

April 25, 2019 |

Already, area tourism offices are receiving phone calls from people across the country who want to plan a visit. And CNN stopped by this month to tape a tourism special about the area.

What to do when you visit the Indiana Dunes

April 25, 2019 |

The Indiana Dunes—the national park, state park and surrounding areas—offer a variety of outdoor experiences, including swimming, bird watching, biking, hiking, fishing and camping. Outside the Dunes, Porter County also offers unique experiences.

How airlines expect innovation to change the way you fly

April 25, 2019 |

Commercial flying may have lost its mythical appeal from the bygone jet age but aerospace companies are nevertheless busy trying to improve the passenger experience on board an aircraft. In the hyper-competitive world of aviation, more comfort in the cabin can be a major selling point for airlines, and cabin amenities (or the lack thereof) […]

Hotel, restaurants planned for ripe parcel at I-74 and Post Road

April 23, 2019 |

The Post Road exit is the last major off-ramp before I-465 when approaching Indianapolis from the east on I-74. It’s considered one of the least-developed interstate exits in the Indianapolis area.

Editorial: Lawmakers made right call in fully funding 21 Fund

April 24, 2019 |

The 21 Fund’s purpose has meandered a bit since it was created in 1999, but it always has been dedicated in some way to encouraging research, technology and innovation. And that investment is key to maintaining the state’s efforts to create a vibrant tech community.

GREG MORRIS: Starfish helps needy teens prepare for success

April 24, 2019 |

College-educated mentors pitch in to put high-achieving kids on path to college and careers.

Tim Day: Crossroads of tech, behind Indiana’s innovation boom

April 24, 2019 |

At the U.S. Chamber, we’re increasingly looking to host forums in some of the most forward-leaning and innovative cities in the nation. Partnering with Indiana IT Councils, local chambers and tech companies, our event explored the opportunities and challenges innovators in Indiana and across America are facing.

Gloria Sachdev: Hoosier hospitals owe us greater price transparency

April 24, 2019 |

Indiana hospital prices are not sustainable. They are compromising the ability of businesses to compete in a global economy, harming the ability of municipalities to adequately provide services for their citizens, and preventing employees from having funds to spend on other aspects of their lives.

PETE THE PLANNER: Don’t forget the 401(k) when evaluating a job offer

April 25, 2019 |

Mere minutes after raising my glass in celebration of my dear friend’s new job, I was on the verge of ordering another round to drown my dismay. He had just made a $713,000 mistake, and had no idea. I’m not normally a judgmental friend when it comes to money, despite what you might think, but […]

Mandy Haskett: Data alone won’t solve hiring, retention challenges

April 24, 2019 |

All business problems lead back to people problems. And while people data can be a catalyst for individual and organizational change, data alone is not enough. Lead with data, then let that be the springboard that clarifies where you ought to focus. People data is the starting line, not the silver bullet.

Ed Feigenbaum: Lawmakers plod along in era of rapid change

April 25, 2019 |

While the General Assembly filled some holes in the law discovered by the increasing use of such services as Airbnb, rental scooters and peer-to-peer vehicle sharing, nothing was done to examine the framework behind some of these popular new concepts.

Indianapolis Business Journal