Tourism experts disagree on wisdom of planned convention center expansion
Overall attendance at Indiana Convention Center events has stagnated, but annual major conventions have seen explosive growth.
Downtown
Articles
Downtown Indy launches marketing campaign to encourage people back to the Mile Square
In addition, on Friday and again on Sept. 11, dozens of community leaders will spend the day cleaning and sprucing up the area.
Soul-food landmark Kountry Kitchen set to begin rebuilding after fire
Its owners are planning to begin construction on a new, bigger building this fall, following the January fire that gutted its original home. Also this week: The W Nail Bar, Crazy Tortas.
Ratio principal Bill Browne talks Pan Am Plaza project
Ratio is architect for the $550 million project by Kite Realty Group Trust that includes a Signia Hilton, an expansion of the Indiana Convention Center and—eventually—a second, 600-room Hilton-branded hotel.
City Market leadership hopeful better times are ahead
The historic market’s leaders are optimistic the market can overcome its current troubles and emerge as a stronger institution. But they also acknowledge the hurdles ahead.
Pandemic thrusts downtown’s homelessness problem to fore
For weeks, camps of people experiencing homelessness and those suffering from substance use disorders have settled in on Monument Circle and near City Market.
Fine-dining Japanese restaurant opens downtown
Hinata, which opened July 31, promises to offer diners authentic Japanese cuisine. Also this week, Tina’s Traditional Tearoom, Colts Pro Shop, The Warehouse Sale.
IBJ Podcast: The owner of Windsor Jewelry talks about surviving the riots and pandemic
Plus, hear from Mayor Joe Hogsett, who spoke to IBJ’s editorial board last month about some of the very problems Bires is concerned about for downtown.
Kite Realty Group bets big on hotel, even as other projects wither
A third of planned downtown hotel rooms announced before the pandemic are now on hold.
Downtown restaurants, conventions could be stuck in downward spiral
The loss in convention business due to COVID-19 is starving downtown restaurants of customers. And without great restaurants, Indy isn’t as attractive as a convention destination.
Area ad agency adding 145 jobs, moving its HQ to downtown Indy even as industry shrinks overall
The Indiana Economic Development Corp. has offered JDA Worldwide and its newly created parent company, Prolific, up to $2.2 million in tax credits to support its expansion plans.
IBJ Podcast: When will office workers return to downtown Indy?
IBJ reporters Samm Quinn and Anthony Schoettle spent a week talking with the leaders of downtown companies and learned that many are delaying plans to bring workers back to the office.
Speakeasy-style whiskey bar coming to Mass Ave
The historic Hammond Block building will be the second location for the bar that started in South Bend. Also this week: Fresh Thyme, The Empty Vase, Forever Gallery, Lily & Sparrow, Kits & Kaboodle and more.
ROUNDUP: JP Parker Flowers vacates Indy store, adds retail truck
The interruption in downtown convention business caused the closure. Also this week: Studio C, Tandoor & Tikka, Peppy Grill, The Fudge Kettle, 21st Amendment Wine & Spirits.
Dollar General to bring new urban-concept DGX store to Mass Ave
DGX represents a new direction for Dollar General, which has traditionally focused on small-town and rural locations. Also this week: Quaff ON!, Bru Burger, Jiffy Lube, Tire Discounters, 16 Bit Bar + Arcade.
Developer of $40M residential project in Chatham Arch eyes 2021 finish
Well under way after years of revisions and delays, Chatham Park is expected to include up to 55 condominiums, seven single-family homes, four duplexes and 2,200 square feet of retail space.
Fast-casual Mediterranean chain coming to Indy
Up to five more locations could open in the next 16 months. Also this week: The Black Acre Loft, Dave & Buster’s, Gold Leaf Savory & Sweet
Gaming lounge, others launching after pandemic delay
Press Play Gaming Lounge, Two Chicks District Co. and Bella Pizzeria are following through with plans announced before the shut-down. Punch Bowl Social, meanwhile, aims to reopen this fall.
IBJ Podcast: Should the city help pay for damage done to businesses downtown?
Host Mason King talks with Stadium Village Business Association President Erica Wells and Mayor Joe Hogsett’s chief of staff, Thomas Cook, about how the city can help downtown and downtown businesses rebuild after the one-two punch of coronavirus and riots.
Mayor Hogsett has no plans to extend curfew after weekend without violence, vandalism
The curfews were a reaction to violence, looting and vandalism that occurred downtown the previous weekend, following peaceful protests about racial inequality and police actions against African Americans.