Indianapolis Business Journal

Thanks to a blockbuster donation, the Great American Songbook Foundation now has the expensive responsibility of maintaining the 107-acre Asherwood estate, including paying a nine-person maintenance staff. Lindsey Erdody examines the implications for the small not-for-profit. Also in this week’s issue, Anthony Schoettle reveals the unusual reason why plans for a $25 million skating complex in Greenwood have stalled. And in Focus, IBJ asks several local investment advisers to forecast the fate of the current bull market.

City and hospitality officials have started laying the groundwork for development of what would be one of downtown’s largest hotels, an effort to accommodate demand for rooms booked for conventions and other big events by Visit Indy. Anthony Schoettle explains how officials are trying to move the effort forward. Also in this week’s issue, Lindsey Erdody has the lowdown on the biggest gifts given to Indiana not-for-profits in 2017, with one clear winner. And in A&E Etc., Lou Harry reviews Crispy Bird, the latest concept from the Patachou family of eateries.

Central Indiana lost some of its most prominent locally based companies in 2017, including Marsh and HHGregg, while Salesforce put its name on the state’s tallest building and tech giant Infosys announced it would bring 2,000 jobs to Indianapolis. Those stories made IBJ’s year-in-review issue, which is combined with our annual Book of Lists.

Victor Oladipo has gone from good to great in his transition from the Oklahoma City Thunder to Indiana Pacers. Anthony Schoettle reports that his all-star-caliber play and natural charisma help the team in myriad ways and make him a tantalizing candidate for sponsorships. Also in this week’s issue, Mike Lopresti calls on some of the best-recognized voices in the state to share stories of broadcasting sports for a living. And in A&E Etc., Lou Harry reviews the new outpost for Matteo’s Ristorante Italiano.

When downtown’s upscale Cerulean stops serving on Dec. 31, it will mark the end of a brutal year for the local restaurant industry marked by an unusually high number of closings. Scott Olson links the local situation to the national restaurant recession. Also in this issue, Lindsey Erdody reports that Westfield is moving forward with a proposal from the mayor’s nephew to construct a baseball training facility at Grand Park Sports Campus. The curve ball: A local baseball training academy says it pitched a similar plan to the mayor before the city decided to seek proposals. And in A&E Etc., Lou Harry reviews two new breakfast spots in Carmel and Irvington.

Three residential projects planned south of bustling Massachusetts Avenue could bring about $25 million of new investment and even more density to the growing area. Scott Olson has details. Also in this week’s issue, Susan Orr examines the central challenge facing car-sharing program BlueIndy: How do you succeed when so many potential customers are unaware of, uninterested in, or even intimidated by what you’re trying to sell? And in A&E Etc., Lou Harry attempts to achieve a peak experience at TopGolf.

One little bar, barely the size of a rail car, has anchored mighty Mass Ave throughout its 35-year renaissance—and arguably has been its single most important property. Sam Stall explores the significance of The Chatterbox and gets the lowdown on what owner David Andrichik has planned for the future. Also in this week’s issue, Anthony Schoettle explains how Inside the Hall has become one of the most important sources of information on IU hoops. And in A&E Etc., Lou Harry reviews Prodigy Burger & Bar in Carmel.

Downtown Indy is encountering resistance from some big property owners to its plan to raise about $3 million annually for the Mile Square through a new fee. Scott Olson explains what’s behind the pushback. Also in this week’s issue, Hayleigh Colombo explains how Gov. Eric Holcomb proposes to boost Indiana’s tech sector with a tweak to state law. And in A&E Etc., Lou Harry reviews Stella, the latest offering from chef and restaurateur Neal Brown.

Linton Calvert never seriously entertained the unsolicited offers he received over the years for the iconic Fountain Square Theatre Building, until presented with the one he couldn’t refuse. Scott Olson has the story on the sale and what to expect next at the landmark property. Also in this week’s issue, Lindsey Erdody reports that Fishers leaders are fed up with a state-mandated tax formula that favors Carmel over their city. And in A&E Etc., Lou Harry reviews the new food offerings available at Bankers Life Fieldhouse.

As vendor contracts expire at Indianapolis International Airport—and a slew of them lapse at the end of 2018, a decade after the terminal’s opening—officials are embarking on a project to freshen up the retail and restaurant offerings. Susan Orr explores what’s in store. Also in this week’s issue, Scott Olson gets a handle on the slowing growth of the craft-brew industry. And you can learn about 22 local leaders of distinction in our Women of Influence section.

Pacers Sports & Entertainment finished a record year this summer—not on the court but in the management of Bankers Life Fieldhouse. Anthony Schoettle explains how the company scored with revenue from non-Pacers and non-Fever events. Also in this issue, John Russell explains how Eskenazi Health has been earning national raves with its new emphasis on serving healthier and better tasting food. And in A&E Etc., Lou Harry has a review of John Green’s new book, “Turtles All the Way Down.”<

Trucking giant Celadon is in retreat—canceling its $28 million headquarters in Mount Comfort, selling off its flatbed unit, and outsourcing its driver schools—so it can refocus on its core business just as the industry is expected to boom. Susan Orr explains what’s behind the retrenchment. Also in this week’s issue, Hayleigh Colombo reports the shocking findings of a Sagamore Institute study showing the poverty rate in Marion County nearly doubled over 15 years. And Lindsey Erdody attempts to straighten out the confusion over city boundaries in the northern suburbs.<

A new Interstate 65 interchange to be built in fast-growing Whitestown has spawned plans for a massive, high-end retail development that the town’s top official says would be a “game-changer” for the Indianapolis area. IBJ's Scott Olson sniffed out the plans. Also in this week’s issue, Hayleigh Colombo profiles South Bend Mayor Pete Buttigieg, whose star is on the rise in national Democratic politics. And in A&E Etc., dining critic Lou Harry has the verdict on the hotly awaited Portillo’s restaurant in Fishers.

The Finish Line Inc. is highly vulnerable to being acquired, thanks to a succession of challenges hitting all at once. Scott Olson explains why the athletic-wear retailer is ripe for takeover. Also in this week’s issue, Anthony Schoettle explores how the latest scandal to hit college basketball is fueling arguments for compensating players. And in A&E Etc., Lou Harry presents his top 10 picks for audiences at the Heartland Film Festival.

A tight job market can be tough for any employer, but especially for organizations that have limited resources and a budget at the mercy of donations and grants. Lindsey Erdody examines the strategies that local not-for-profits are using to attract and keep employees. Also in this week’s issue, Anthony Schoettle explains how the new CEO of the Indiana State Museum plans on elevating the institution’s profile. And in A&E Etc., Lou Harry reviews three regional theater premieres that are showing off Indy’s local talent base.

Local developer Keystone Group is nearing a deal to buy the 20-story AT&T building just north of Monument Circle and is considering a range of possibilities for the half-million-square-foot property. Scott Olson examines the challenges that vexed its current owner. Also in this week’s issue, Susan Orr reports that more than 20 companies in Indiana are contributing to NASA’s effort to send people to Mars. And in our Meeting and Event Planning Guide, Anthony Schoettle explains how the glitz and glam of high production values have become essential to conventions and expos.

What’s the point of having a ritzy residence without a few parties? But Forrest and Charlotte Lucas host so many galas, fundraisers and other events at their Carmel estate that some nearby residents are fed up. Lindsey Erdody reports that city officials are looking at clamping down on frequent, large-scale entertaining on estates. Also in this week’s issue, Susan Orr digs into the fine print on plans for the Red Line and presents 11 things you might not know about the transit project. And in Forefront, IBJ’s columnists debate the future of Confederate monuments and racially charged art.

School districts in Martinsville, Muncie and Perry Township recently have experienced major problems with their busing systems. The common denominator was a start-up consulting firm hired to rework their bus routes. IBJ’s John Russell investigates True Consultant Services LLC and finds the firm’s two leaders had unusual credentials for offering transportation advice. Also in this issue, Susan Orr examines the recent rate hike for subscribers of The Indianapolis Star as revenue declines for its parent company. And in A&E Etc., Lou Harry points out fun activities for finishing the summer.