SEPTEMBER 21-27, 2015

Circle Centre mall helped spark a renaissance downtown 20 years ago, and it now could use its own rejuvenation. Greg Andrews reveals that mall giant Simon Property Group is proposing a $20 million renovation to freshen its lighting, seating, food court, exterior and more. Also in this issue, Scott Olson reports that the Indianapolis Zoo has entered an unusual land deal to expand its exhibit space. And in Focus, IBJ takes an in-depth look at the modern design of Cummins’ $30 million divisional HQ under construction downtown.

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Simon proposing major Circle Centre revamp

September 17, 2015 | Greg Andrews

Simon Property Group Inc. is proposing an estimated $20 million in improvements to Circle Centre mall, which spurred a downtown renaissance when it opened 20 years ago this month but now is showing signs of struggle.

Indiana Fever among league leaders in sponsorship sales, profitability

September 17, 2015 | Anthony Schoettle

For a third consecutive year, the Fever have led the WNBA in sponsorships sales and, more important, have been profitable. Team officials said the margin isn’t huge, but league sources confirmed the Fever is one of only six franchises in the 12-team league to be profitable this year at all.

Industrial power users fighting to get off grid

September 17, 2015 | Hayleigh Colombo

Indiana’s manufacturers and municipal utilities are preparing to wage a battle with investor-owned power companies in their desire to get a handle on rising electricity costs.

Zoo land deal for more parking sets table for expansion

September 17, 2015 | Scott Olson

The Indianapolis Zoo’s landlocked grounds prevent it from expanding. But leaders think they have found a solution—by joining the ownership group that wants to build an outdoor concert venue on the former General Motors stamping plant site across West Washington Street.

Craft breweries rush to open outposts in northern suburbs

September 17, 2015 | Lindsey Erdody

Small breweries are tapping the northern Indianapolis suburbs. Four have opened just this year, essentially doubling Hamilton County’s craft beer market. And that growth is expected to continue.

Globe-trotting financier launching angel firm

September 17, 2015 | Jared Council

Indianapolis native Danny Chan, a managing director at Iconic Private Equity Partners, a Hong Kong-based firm, is back home in Indiana and ready to launch an angel investing group here that will help fund Hoosier startups of all stripes.

Custom homes come to Westfield’s Grand Junction district

September 17, 2015 | Lindsey Erdody

A pair of childhood friends are trying to give homeowners another option for downtown living.

Dental claims firm expands into former Gerdt store in Southport

September 14, 2015 | Scott Olson

Renaissance Electronic Services plans to spend $3 million to renovate more than half of the 66,000-square-foot building that once housed Gerdt Furniture's flagship store.

Cummins’ $30M divisional HQ will make statement

September 17, 2015 | Scott Olson

The building under construction on the former Market Square Arena site will be modern, with a calibrated glass facade and abundant green space.

MORRIS: Mayors remind us of path to progress

September 18, 2015 | Greg Morris

GIPC birthday brought together city leaders who knew how to achieve, in spite of politics.

PETERSON: 16 Tech is rare opportunity for Indianapolis

September 18, 2015 |

16 Tech would bring together many of Indianapolis’ existing strengths—our research universities, life sciences expertise and vibrant technology sector—to spark new companies and jobs.

KENNEDY: An (im)modest G.I. Bill proposal

September 18, 2015 | Sheila Suess Kennedy

Originally conceived as an effort to reward those who had risked their lives for their country, the G.I. Bill had a number of other positive consequences: It raised the skill level of the American workforce and provided an avenue for social mobility.

SKARBECK: Investors shouldn’t panic over higher interest rates

September 17, 2015 | Ken Skarbeck

Regardless of the market’s short-term gyrations, stock values 20 years from now should be considerably higher than today.

BOHANON & STYRING: Worries about looming deflation are overblown

September 17, 2015 | Bill Styring / Special to IBJ and Cecil Bohanon / Special to IBJ

Near-zero interest rates were supposed to pep up the economy. Six years and 10 months later, economic growth has been positive, but anemic. The unemployment rate has fallen to 5.1 percent, but labor force participation rates are at record lows and full-time jobs are hard to find.

There’s another side to exec pay debate

September 18, 2015 |

Many executive leaders do not pay themselves enough in relation to the market, other employees, and the very demanding job they are committed to 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

‘Jock tax’ ruling delayed during appeal to U.S. Supreme Court

September 16, 2015 | Associated Press and Bloomberg News

The Ohio Supreme Court has delayed its decision that struck down the way Cleveland taxes visiting professional athletes while the city appeals. At issue are challenges by retired Colts center Jeff Saturday and former Bears linebacker Hunter Hillenmeyer.

Indianapolis Business Journal