Indianapolis Business Journal

This week, Scott Olson reports that downtown soon could have a new concert venue the size of Klipsch Music Center in Noblesville. REI Investments, which co-developed the JW Marriott, is behind the plan, which would incorporate at least part of the former GM stamping plant on the western edge of downtown. Also in this issue, Kathleen McLaughlin details a push by the Indy Chamber to create a commuter tax that would hit outsiders who work in Marion County. And in A&E, sports columnist Mike Lopresti reveals how Carmel High School has been able to create a 27-year dynasty in state girls swimming.

More than 20 school districts in central Indiana face a transportation crisis, due to a recently passed state law that is draining tax funds from their bus budgets. IBJ's Andrea Davis explains how they're trying to cope. Also in this issue, Anthony Schoettle regroups with organizers of Indy's bid for the 2018 Super Bowl to take their temperature on how bad weather this year could affect our chances. And on our editorial page, IBJ takes a stand on the effort to amend the state's constitution to ban same-sex marriage.

There's no more pressing safety issue in sports than head injuries, and yet the diagnosis of a concussion can be slow and subjective. This week, Anthony Schoettle reveals how two Indiana University professors are perfecting a portable system that can test for concussions quickly and objectively. Also this week, Chris O'Malley discovers where all the radio DJs have gone since the automation of the commercial airwaves: They're doing Internet podcasts and enjoying the independence of being their own bosses. And in A&E, Lou Harry assays the IMA's contemporary design galleries.

We've been so busy making googly eyes at the spanking-new Eskenazi Hospital that we've forgotten about the 1.2 million square feet Wishard Hospital complex that it replaced. But reporter Scott Olson has the scoop on how Indiana University plans to reuse—and in some cases demolish—those properties to eventually create a life sciences hub. Also this week, Chris O'Malley takes a spin in the futuristic, $65,000 Tesla Model S to see what all the fuss is about. And in A&E, sports columnist Mike Lopresti examines the messy art of arena-naming.

It's time to take a breath and look back at 2013 with IBJ's compendium of the biggest stories and newsmakers of the year. Plus, Lou Harry chooses the top exemplars in the visual and performing arts. And a couple new stories have snuck under the wire on our front page, including Andrea Davis's piece on a new budget flap in Carmel.

This week, find out which major supermarket chain is hoping to expand into the Indianapolis market, starting with an anchor position in The Bridges in Carmel. Also, see what former Cummins CEO Tim Solso has to say about his new job as non-executive chairman at automaker GM. And learn why the IndyCar Series is suing a Brazilian race promoter.

Indiana's largest beer distributor is mounting the latest legal challenge to the state's arcane, Prohibition-era liquor laws. Scott Olson reports that Indy-based Monarch Beverage is suing state officials, arguing the firm  should be able to supply liquor to bars, restaurants and retail outlets. Also in this issue, J.K. Wall reports on the sudden and mysterious exit of Community Health Network's chief financial officer. And in A&E, Lou Harry explores the differences between local chestnut "Yuletide Celebration" and edgy newcomer "The Nutcracker" from NoExit Performance.

We know Herb Simon as a shopping mall magnate and owner of the Indiana Pacers, but he has additional interest (quite literally) in baseball. IBJ's Anthony Schoettle reveals that Simon is part of a consortium looking to raise $100 million to buy several minor-league franchises. It already has purchased a team in Bowling Green, Ky. In Focus, Scott Olson profiles developer Joe Whitsett, who is helping drive the herd of apartment projects headed for downtown. And in A&E, Lou Harry makes merry with the Phoenix Theatre's holiday show, "A Very Phoenix Xmas."

Apple has applied for a new patent that sounds pretty familiar to the folks at Carmel-based ChaCha Search Inc. Analysts and tech wonks now are wondering whether Apple would be best served by acquiring ChaCha. IBJ's Dan Human explores how the question-and-answer service could aid Apple's Siri function. Also in this issue, Scott Olson profiles city development director Adam Thies, a no-nonsense leader taking a proactive approach to turning idle city parcels into tax-generating properties. And in A&E, Lou Harry discovers out-of-the-way eatery Shoefly Public House and its neighborhood vibe.

The Indiana Pacers are turning to a Mickey Mouse operation in an attempt to improve customer service at Bankers Life Fieldhouse. Make that, THE Mickey Mouse organization. IBJ's Anthony Schoettle explains how the Blue and Gold are teaming up with Walt Disney Co.'s Disney Institute. Also in this issue, we belly up to the bar to explain how a new law is paving the way for micro-distilleries across the state. And in A&E, Lou Harry hams it up at Broad Ripple's new Cuban sandwich spot.

In this week's issue, Scott Olson reveals that the new owner of the Illinois Building is stirring conversation about an upscale hotel in the downtown landmark. Also in this issue, Dan Human checks in with the Indiana entrepreneur who famously rejected a $200,000 offer from Mark Cuban on "Shark Tank." And in A&E, Lou Harry essays the biennial contemporary exhibit at the Eiteljorg.

The homegrown speaker and headphone maker Klipsch Group in recent weeks released a bevy of new products and launched a marketing campaign headlined by high-profile athletes and a rock band. Anthony Schoettle has details on the products, the push, and the people who will help get the word out. Also this week, J.K. Wall explores the possibility that Indiana could leave $1.2 billion in federal funds for health care on the table. And in Focus, we examine whether the citywide smoking ban that took effect in 2012 has helped boost convention business.

In this week's issue, Scott Olson hits the streets with local real estate legend Bif Ward, who is approaching the mind-boggling milestone of $1 billion in career sales. Scott rides along for a day on Ward's rounds and tries to figure out what makes her tick. Also in this issue, Anthony Schoettle uncovers what brought the behemoth Performance Racing Industry Show—with a total local economic impact of $45 million—back to Indianapolis after an eight-year absence. And in A&E, dining reviewer Lou Harry gets the scoop on the super-sized new Yats on Massachusetts Avenue.

In this week's issue, Anthony Schoettle explores whether the lack of a five-star hotel in Indianapolis hampers the city's chances of landing another Super Bowl. Dan Human profiles five up-and-coming tech firms that could be attractive acquisition targets. Chris O'Malley explains why TV's syndicated "Family Feud" is devoting an inordinate amount of airtime to Hoosier contestants. And in A&E, Lou Harry cases the new Studio Movie Grill for its cinematic bona fides and family-friendly eats.

In this week's issue, Anthony Schoettle reveals that Indiana University officials are seeking as much as $20 million to upgrade the Natatorium on the IUPUI campus and are in discussions to turn over operations to a third party. (The aquatics venue is in dire need of upgrades and is losing about $1 million per year.) Also, J.K. Wall takes a closer look at the premiums being offered to Indiana residents through Obamacare exchanges, which are among the most expensive in the country. And in A&E, Lou Harry appraises the blockbuster Matisse exhibit at IMA.

You didn't need to be a professional prognosticator to see this coming: Ratings for newscasts on WTHR-TV Channel 13 have surged since meteorologist Angela Buchman debuted, following her exit from competitor WISH-TV Channel 8 last year. IBJ's Chris O'Malley reports that numbers are very persuasive, as ratings for all of 13's evening newscasts have soared by double digits. Also in this issue, Anthony Schoettle reports that the Indiana Pacers are the first team in the NBA to score a deal for advertising on its court (outside of naming-rights sponsors). And in Focus, Jeff Newman has new details on the proposed Market Square Tower, which could be the first major addition to Indy's east-side skyline in decades.

This week, Scott Olson reports that the 19-building Precedent Office Park near Keystone Avenue and south of 96th Street has been put on the market, just eight years after selling to its current owner for $143 million. In Focus, J.K. Wall illustrates how technology could dramatically change the way doctors keep patients healthy. And in Forefront, columnist Sam Odle warns that Indiana will begin to wither if our leaders don't do more to attract immigrants to the state.

Boomers are ready to sell the suburban homes where they raised their kids and buy more modest abodes, but are hitting a disconnect in the housing market: Many of today's young families don't want to live in a subdivision or can't afford what the boomers are asking. IBJ's Norm Heikens documents their struggles. Also this week, we present IBJ's annual Meeting & Event Planners Guide, including stories about the growing influence of youth sports on tourism and the challenge of filling Indy's new convention center. And in A&E, Lou Harry checks out IRT's production of "The Crucible," which casts off the shackles of allegory and finds its power in the characters' complexity.