Indianapolis Business Journal

IndyGo officials are expected to back off plans to purchase electric buses this year as part of a long-term effort to replace the mass-transit system’s older diesel fleet, saying electric-vehicle technology is not yet good enough to meet its needs. Susan Orr explains what’s behind the reversal. Also in this issue, Scott Olson fleshes out the surge in development activity on downtown’s once-forgotten south side while Samm Quinn outlines the blossoming variety in new home styles in Noblesville. And in the latest edition of Forefront, three columnists weigh in on the Indiana GOP’s battle over its definition of marriage.

Downtown’s 360 Market Square apartment tower opened in March on part of the former Market Square Arena site and is leasing up nicely, but the $120 million project continues to be plagued by legal disputes related to its construction. Scott Olson has the latest. Also in this week’s issue, Anthony Schoettle explains how Studio Science grew from a one-person web-design company to a virtual Swiss Army knife for tech firms from coast to coast. And in Explore, Lou Harry extols the pleasures of a low-key canoe cruise on Sugar Creek.

A downtown parking lot that for nearly 25 years has sat undeveloped—despite a zoning rule barring surface lots in the area—finally is poised to be built upon. Scott Olson has the scoop on a new seven-story project on Pennsylvania Street, and why it took so long. Also in this week’s issue, Lindsey Erdody explains what’s behind a spike in leadership turnover among local not-for-profit groups. And in Focus, Hayleigh Colombo explores the frustrations felt by some Indiana teachers and whether they might follow the lead of striking teachers in several states across the country.

In our fourth annual Innovation Issue, IBJ staffers are focusing on technologies rife with promise but that haven’t yet exploded in the mainstream. “Blockchain,” for example, only recently became a buzzword. Susan Orr explains how it could become transformative in the business world by providing a secure way of conducting all kinds of transactions. Virtual reality has been in the popular consciousness for decades, but its applications for business—and, in particular, training employees—are still evolving, Lesley Weidenbener reports. And cryptocurrencies such as bitcoin have been making headlines for their big moves in market value, but the man on the street still isn’t likely to use them to buy a hamburger. Anthony Schoettle explains their appeal and why some folks are still skeptical about their utility.

Soon-to-close Broad Ripple High School and the 16 acres it sits on are highly coveted by developers, who could pay more than $6 million for the property. But a state law could prevent IPS from cashing in, Scott Olson reports. Also in this week’s issue, Hayleigh Colombo continues her series on income inequality in Indianapolis, focusing on the difficulty of low-wage earners to make financial headway. And in Focus, Samm Quinn explains why Westfield and Noblesville are expected to experience big population increases.

Kroger is seeking to sublease four former Marsh stores in central Indiana—a move fueling speculation that Kroger acquired control of at least some of the locations with no intent of operating stores. Scott Olson checks in on what has happened with the 18 Indianapolis-area Marsh locations that went up for auction. Also in this week’s issue, John Russell delves into why Anthem’s plans to set up a pharmacy-benefits unit have gotten off to such a rocky start. And in Explore, Lou Harry profiles some of the best places to dine al fresco this summer.

There are 36 zip codes in Marion County, and 46220 and 46218 are just a short jog apart. But their fortunes couldn’t be more different. In terms of incomes and property values, they’ve been straying further and further apart since 2000. They exemplify the growing gap between the affluent and poor in Indianapolis. This week, Hayleigh Colombo kicks off her series “One City, Worlds Apart.” Also in this week’s issue, Anthony Schoettle explains how the “Bob & Tom Show” is trying to change with the times. And John Russell explores how Eli Lilly and Co.’s push into cancer drugs is playing out in its TV advertising.

Delta Air Lines Inc. is in line for up to $5.5 million in state economic development incentives when it launches its nonstop flights between Indianapolis and Paris on May 24—but earning the money will require some work. Susan Orr explains how the deal works. In Focus, the hospitality and tourism guide runs through new and improved attractions in 19 cities across the state. And in Forefront, Mike Ripley and Erin Macey debate whether companies should offer parental leave.

As the United States and China face off over tariffs and trade policy, some of Indiana’s most important industries are right at the center of the dispute. Susan Orr explains how the state could be affected by a trade war. Also in this week’s issue, John Russell examines how Carmel-based Mainstreet is shifting gears after its strategy in the elder-care business broke down. And Scott Olson looks ahead to the challenges of integrating Indianapolis’ massive criminal justice center into the struggling Twin Aire neighborhood.<

Can you name one defining characteristic of each of the three men running in the GOP primary for Joe Donnelly’s U.S. Senate seat? Can you name any of the three men? The Republican rivals are scrambling to stand out as the primary approaches. Lindsey Erdody gives Mike Braun, Luke Messer and Todd Rokita the profile treatment. Also in this week’s issue, Hayleigh Colombo explains how the surplus cash in Indianapolis’ downtown TIF district has dried up. And Samm Quinn has a preview of Live Nation’s burgeoning concert lineup at its outdoor venues in Noblesville and Indianapolis.

How does Indianapolis stack up in the Amazon HQ2 sweepstakes, based on the criteria that the internet giant said were most important in its search for a second home? IBJ pored over the RFP and did some digging to reach some conclusions on our chances. Also in this week’s issue, Susan Orr tracks down the owner of one of the most problematic properties in Broad Ripple to determine how long it will continue to drag down the main drag. And in Focus, John Russell sheds light on the process for planning Methodist Hospital’s $1 billion makeover.

Indianapolis-based Lilly Endowment Inc. is the third-largest private charitable foundation in the country and has given hundreds of millions of dollars to arts organization in the city. But once you cross 96th Street? Nothing. The longstanding policy is to keep funds in the city in which Eli Lilly and Co. was founded. Lindsey Erdody reports that Carmel’s arts leaders and Mayor Jim Brainard say it might be time for the foundation’s board to reconsider. Also in this week’s issue, Hayleigh Colombo reports that the Hogsett administration is racing against a deadline to tear down blighted and abandoned homes with $3 million it has remaining from a federal grant. And Scott Olson explores the latest obstacle to the creation of a $3 million fund to spruce up downtown.

The Pacers should have little problem securing a new naming-rights sponsor for its downtown home that will pay at least double the current rate of $2 million a year, experts say. And the field of companies willing to pony up that kind of dough is bigger than you might think, Scott Olson reports. Also in this week’s issue, Hayleigh Colombo reports that Indiana businesses and individual taxpayers might have double the work (and double the cost) to calculate their taxes next year. And in Focus, Anthony Schoettle conducts a deep dive into the innovative venture studio High Alpha and the fledgling companies it has helped birth.

While it might appear at first glance that Emmis Communications Corp. CEO Jeff Smulyan is preparing to either liquidate or parachute out of the company he founded in 1979, he says that couldn’t be further from the truth. Anthony Schoettle outlines the direction Smulyan wants to take the company. Also in this week’s issue, Hayleigh Colombo explains the latest effort to charge a commuter tax for folks who work in Indianapolis but work outside its boundaries. And in Focus, Cory Schouten explores the evolving plans for The Yard at Fishers District—now featuring restaurants, apartments and a hotel.

The recruiting scandal roiling men’s college basketball is sure to cast a cloud over the NCAA tournament—a cash cow that brings in hundreds of millions of dollars annually to the Indianapolis-based not-for-profit. Scott Olson examines the potential ramifications. Also in this week’s issue, Lindsey Erdody details how Carmel philanthropists and sisters Deborah Simon and Cindy Simon Skjodt have become big-time campaign donors on the national level in this election cycle. And Hayleigh Colombo reports that the Hogsett administration and City-County Council are weighing whether to kill a little-known organization that has quietly worked the past two decades on the redevelopment of key downtown projects.

This week, Hayleigh Colombo examines Gov. Eric Holcomb's international economic-development strategy, which in 2017 helped reap 40 trade deals and capital projects totaling $1.87 billion. Also in this issue, John Russell takes a look at the headway IndyGo is making in efforts to improve the health of its drivers and control insurance costs. In addition, Scott Olson takes a look at the high-stakes upcoming season for IndyCar.

The $1 billion hospital complex planned for 96th Street in Carmel is just the latest evidence that central Indiana’s health care construction binge is continuing full throttle. John Russell reports that some in the health care industry are afraid that all of this construction could push up the cost of care. Also in this week’s issue, Lindsey Erdody examines the big influx of female candidates for political office, sparked in part by the 2016 presidential election and the #MeToo movement. And in Explore, Lou Harry charts the evolution of ComedySportz Indianapolis.

Downtown residents and office workers have been clamoring for a Target for decades, and the impending exit of Carson’s from Circle Centre mall could be a tempting spot for retailer. But there’s another option downtown that might make even more sense, Greg Andrews reports. Also in this week’s issue, Scott Olson explains how proposed state legislation could pop the cork on more alcohol permits for growing sections of the Indy area. And in IBJ’s new Explore section, we explore the boomlet in bar-based, pop-culture trivia contests.