Ironworks Hotel Indy lands Four Diamond rating from AAA
Ironworks Hotel Indy, which opened on the city’s north side in September 2017, joins only seven other hotels in the city to earn the coveted designation.
Tourism & Hospitality
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State lawmakers working to close loophole in online sales, hotel taxes
Indiana is one step closer to closing what lawmakers have described as a loophole in online sales and hotel tax collection, but online travel sites oppose the legislation.
Tiny-house enclave by Lucas Oil Stadium offers tourists pint-sized lodging
The so-called Tiny House Hotel is a big part of an effort to attract fans of miniature abodes to the city.
Downtown hotel coalition launches ad campaign against CIB funding bill
A coalition opposed to the development of two downtown convention hotels plans to launch a “significant” multimedia advertising campaign Thursday with hopes of swaying the public—and lawmakers—on the issue.
UPDATE: Children’s Museum dino project to include two massive Jurassic skeletons
With a budget of $27.5 million, The Children’s Museum of Indianapolis is heading a research project that will include excavation of fossil-rich land in Wyoming and big additions to its Dinosphere exhibit.
Indiana base preparing for 90,000 to attend air show
Businesses near the Grissom Air Reserve Base in north central Indiana already are gearing up for its air show later this year.
Hotel owners voice concerns over Pan Am Plaza project to state lawmakers
Some of the most prominent hotel operators in downtown Indianapolis told state lawmakers Wednesday that the process that led to developer Kite Realty Group Trust and Hilton being selected for the Pan Am Plaza project was unfair.
One case settled in tourist boat sinking that killed 17, including nine from Indiana
The owner of a tourist boat that sank in a Missouri lake and killed 17 people has reached a settlement with relatives of two brothers from Indiana who were among the victims.
Soccer stadium likely would find other uses—especially if it’s downtown
The Indy Eleven would likely need the $150 million soccer stadium proposed by owner Ersal Ozdemir for only about 20 matches a year.
Candlewood Suites lands $10M in financing
Candlewood plans to use the money for extensive renovations at its 142-room property.
Hoteliers oppose legislation that’s tied to convention center expansion
Some of the biggest hotel operators in Indianapolis say the city would not be able to absorb the 800-room and 600-room hotels planned by Kite Realty Group Trust alongside the proposed expansion of the Indiana Convention Center at Pan Am Plaza.
Kurt Vonnegut Museum planning to buy building on Indiana Avenue
The Kurt Vonnegut Museum and Library is hoping to raise $1.5 million to acquire the building, which would house the museum and a cafe operated by the owners of Bluebeard restaurant.
NFL Combine could ink new Indy extension deal later this year
The five-day NFL Combine has been hosted in Indianapolis since 1987, and efforts are underway to ensure the showcase calls the city home for the next several years.
Indiana Senate approves sports betting, casino moves
The legislation would legalize sports wagering, let horse-track casinos add table games this year as opposed to waiting until 2021 and allow two Gary casinos to move.
Study finds rail-with-trail idea much costlier than trail-only plan, Fishers says
The city of Fishers has released a study that says constructing a trail on the Nickel Plate Railroad corridor would cost at least $20 million more if the development maintained a rail line alongside the trail.
Vision for Nickel Plate Trail in Fishers includes rec center, playgrounds, reading nooks, plazas
Fishers intends to start construction on the first section of the trail, from 106th Street to 126th Street, later this year.
Developer seeks OK for 16-story addition to historic downtown tower
The owner of a historic downtown office building that’s being redeveloped into a hotel is seeking city approval to build a towering addition that would replace most of an adjacent 96-year-old building.
Pacers roll out hat-knitting initiative ahead of 2021 NBA All-Star events
The Nothing But Knit campaign is the first community initiative tied to the 2021 NBA All-Star Game, and aims to collect up to 5,000 knitted beanies for distribution to volunteers, hospitality workers, players and league officials.
Bill transforming state tourism office clears hurdle in Statehouse
The proposal would turn the Office of Tourism Development into the Indiana Destination Development Corp., a quasi-governmental group that could accept funding from tourism organizations.
White River plan envisions ideas for more accessibility in Hamilton, Marion counties
A firm charged with drafting a plan to revitalize and activate the river in the two counties has unveiled a series of concepts that include both passive and active nature experiences.