Salesforce.org, IU to bring higher ed conference to Indy in 2020
The three-day event at the JW Marriott downtown is expected to bring together more than 2,500 leaders from colleges, universities and technology firms.
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Broad Ripple’s Vogue nightclub acquired by trio of tech executives
Broad Ripple’s historic nightclub has its first new ownership since 1986. The new owners plan to maintain the Vogue as a live-music venue while expanding into other types of programming.
Brown County music center to debut with Vince Gill show
An indoor performing arts center is set to open this summer in a southern Indiana tourist destination a decade after arson destroyed the county’s long-popular music venue.
Massive gambling bill sails through Indiana House
Senate Bill 552 would legalize sports wagering, permit a Gary casino to relocate from Lake Michigan to a more convenient interstate location and allow a new casino in Terre Haute.
National pizza chain plans first Indianapolis restaurant
A 43-year-old pizza chain with more than 100 restaurants in 22 states is planning its first foray into Indianapolis with a location near the airport. It also plans a Whitestown location early next year.
Fishers developer buys Noblesville’s Stonycreek Farm
The destination best known for the annual Pumpkin Harvest Festival has changed hands, but its new owner hopes to maintain it as a farm.
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.
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.