Children’s Museum prepares to invest millions on new programs, exhibits, upgrades
Three temporary exhibits will open this year, and a handful of existing spaces will receive substantial upgrades—including the popular Dinosphere space.
Tourism & Hospitality
Articles
China virus outbreak rams global tourism, costing billions
Businesses around the world that have grown increasingly reliant on big-spending tourists from China are taking a heavy hit, with tens of millions of Chinese residents restricted from leaving their country as the coronavirus spreads.
Indiana casino approval delayed while state probes former Centaur execs
The Indiana Gaming Commission confirmed Friday that is postponing approval of a new Indiana casino while it investigates allegations that top executives at former Indianapolis racino business Centaur Gaming were involved in directing illegal campaign contributions to an Indiana congressional candidate in 2015.
Indy Championships Fund raises more than $20M for major sport events
The money is expected to go a long way in funding three events on the city’s calendar: the NBA All-Star Weekend and the NCAA Men’s Basketball Final Four in 2021 and the College Football Playoff National Championship in 2022.
Hostel planned for former church, event center in Fountain Square
Plans for the hostel have been recommended for approval by city staff, because it “would be appropriate and would recognize [the building’s] historical and architectural value.”
Wine bar, bistro extends lease in Conrad, readies for renovation
To expedite the top-to-bottom transformation, owner Ross Bailey plans to close the 3,500-square-foot establishment in the Conrad Indianapolis’ lobby for at least six weeks.
Children’s museum reports record attendance in 2019
New exhibits such as “PAW Patrol Adventure Play” helped the museum trump its previous record-breaking tally in 2009, when it featured a King Tut exhibit and the launch of “Take Me There: Egypt.”
Indiana Dunes National Park to build erosion-fighting sand traps
Officials are asking the public to steer clear of the area as heavy equipment is used to install and fill the sand traps and fight erosion during a time of high water levels on the lake.
10 news events that changed central Indiana in 2019
There was no shortage of huge news stories in central Indiana this year—with Roger Penske’s purchase of the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, the launching of the Red Line and the closing of trucking giant Celadon.
Indiana ski resort closes slopes amid warm spell
The resort has long used snow machines to supplement natural snowfall, but the temperature must be 30 degrees Fahrenheit or lower for the process to work.
Indianapolis lands major convention for people who make decisions about conventions
The American Society of Association Executives expects draw more than 6,000 people to Indianapolis for its four-day conference in August 2026, putting Indianapolis under the microscope of key decision-makers for their respective associations.
Ike & Jonesy’s to close as building owner develops boutique hotel
After a 36-year run, the owners of the downtown nightlife institution say it will close after its New Year’s Eve party and a “Last Hurrah Celebration.”
Big Ten football title game draws near-record crowd
The contest was only the second deemed to be a sellout by the Big Ten in the title game’s history. The other came in 2015 when Michigan State played Iowa in a battle that featured two teams ranked in the top five.
IBJ Podcast: Pat Sullivan makes business case for store’s North Pole train
Sullivan talks with podcast host Mason King about why the Sullivan Express is so fun for him and his Sullivan Hardware staff but also why it makes business sense to keep expanding the attraction.
Neighboring east-side hotels sold for $30.5M to Los Angeles firm
The three hotels at the intersection of Interstates 70 and 465 have nearly 500 rooms between them. The largest, a Marriott that serves as an overflow hotel for big downtown events, is slated for a renovation that could run between $10 million and $20 million.
Carmel city council delays decision on parade seat-saving issue
Carmel’s City Council members decided Monday to rework a proposed compromise between early-bird parade enthusiasts and businesses that are tired of dealing with the unintended impacts of their clutter.
Tourist destination Amish Acres set to close at year’s end
The northern Indiana tourist site is set to close at the end of the year after 50 years in business, according to an economic development official in Nappanee.
Federal investigators: Coast Guard ignored duck boat safety proposals
The National Transportation Safety Board criticized the U.S. Coast Guard on Wednesday for ignoring suggestions they say might have prevented last year’s Missouri accident that killed 17 people, including nine members of an Indiana family.
Convention industry swells, but future hinges on Pan Am development
Visit Indy, which isn’t involved in the Pan Am negotiations, is in “somewhat of a holding pattern until we have the exact details finalized and presented to us,” Vice President Chris Gahl said.
Light, video show on Circle to pay patriotic tribute nightly
The curtain is set to be raised on a nightly five-minute patriotic light and sound presentation that local officials say will cast Monument Circle in a whole new hue and could draw tens of thousands of people annually to the iconic landmark.