MAY 6-12, 2013
It’s been under construction in downtown Indy for six years and has cost $63 million, but many people still don’t have a handle on what it is, exactly. In this issue, Lou Harry takes an in-depth look at the genesis and possible long-term effects of the Cultural Trail. Plus, we weigh in with an editorial and a first-person account of walking the whole 7.5-mile enchilada. Also, Anthony Schoettle serves up a story on the rapid rise of enrollment at the city’s culinary schools, and what that means to the local hospitality industry. Plus, Scott Olson strikes out to the new Stadium Lofts apartment project, a redevelopment of old Bush Stadium.
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Defining the Indianapolis Cultural Trail
After more than a decade of planning, The Indianapolis Cultural Trail will have its official ribbon cutting May 10 with a coming-out party on May 11. And that’s when boosters and skeptics alike will be watching to see what exactly Indianapolis is going to do with its difficult-to-grasp landmark.
Read MoreInquiry targets cellphone subsidies
State officials want to know how an Oklahoma City company managed to set up 30,000 Indiana accounts for a federally subsidized phone program in less than a year. The Indiana Utility Regulatory Commission has launched an investigation into whether TerraCom LLC is repeating federal violations it allegedly committed in Oklahoma.
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Legislative roundup: Session yields mixed bag
The General Assembly’s work left some groups happy, some disappointed.
Read MoreEntrepreneurs vie for invites to reality TV summer camp
Twelve lucky entrepreneurs chosen from hundreds of applicants will spend two months this summer in a luxury facility working on bringing new business ideas to market.
Read MoreLocal enrollment for culinary schools rising
The surprising growth corresponds with the recent expansion of the Indiana Convention Center, and an explosion in the popularity of The Food Network and chef-centric programming. But don’t expect to make a mint.
Read MoreIUPUI students, faculty keep watch on parking issue
Opponents of privatization fear trustees will take action on the controversial issue over the summer.
Read MoreNew seed fund aims to make Indiana a hotbed for digital health startups
Infuse Accelerator hopes to make early-stage investments in 12 to 15 companies a year.
Read MoreState OKs private financing for roadwork
The Indiana Department of Transportation will press ahead with a request for proposals on Interstate 69 from Bloomington to Martinsville, in hopes that a public-private partnership will stretch limited state funds.
Read MoreFocusBack to Top
Stadium Lofts apartment project nears opening day
The unusual nature of the redevelopment and its location are driving strong leasing activity.
Read MoreDevelopers finish first project, shift focus to downtown deal
Drew Loftus and Kyle Robinson are wrapping up their first project, in Broad Ripple, and have bought another building, this one downtown. A well-known architectural and design firm is slated to be the building’s tenant.
Read MoreLessons unlearned, a correction is ahead
The problems that led to the real estate and financial meltdown have not been fixed, and we are less than a generation away from repeating the mistakes.
Read MoreOpinionBack to Top
EDITORIAL: A 7.5-mile bold stroke
Indianapolis is a master of not making waves. Chalk it up to being the capital of a notoriously risk-averse state.
Read MoreMORRIS: Home-selling process isn’t for sissies
When was the last time you sold your home? Was it a smooth and pleasant experience?
Read MorePartying like it’s 2013
Even after the Great Recession and throughout the stubborn economic recovery, it’s getting harder to recall when Indiana’s fiscal house was a shambles.
Read MoreKENNEDY: Rethink research to save higher ed
It’s no secret that higher education is in a state of turmoil—one might even use the word “crisis.”
Read MoreFEIGENBAUM: Statehouse looks to Pence and his mighty pen
Indianapolis government bill among those the governor must decide to accept or reject.
Read MoreRACE: Indianapolis needs standards for its Capitol District
Our state capitol building is surrounded by utilitarian streets and inappropriate development.
Read MoreSkarbeck: Research error reignites stimulus vs. debt debate
Economic and political spheres are abuzz with the recent discovery of a mathematical error made by Harvard professors Carmen Reinhart and Kenneth Rogoff in their seminal analysis of debt-laden economies.
Read MoreHicks: The real cause of brain drain? Quality of life
Brain drain is a genuine problem in Indiana. But instead of slowing this trend, our higher education financing policies accelerate this problem by pushing more students into majors that are in demand elsewhere.
Read MoreALTOM: The closing words in most emails aren’t worth the trouble
Electronic communication isn’t the same as a hand-written letter, so traditional sign-offs don’t usually work.
Read MoreISO editorial unfounded
I am surprised to find the IBJ [April 22 editorial] calling something bad business without having done any real research to find out if the action it scorns is really bad business.
Read MoreIndiana University-Kokomo in good hands
“Charges flew after IU-Kokomo chancellor’s sudden exit” [April 22] contradicts the reality of our experience.
Read MoreIn BriefBack to Top
Airport installs three contemporary pieces of art
The works in the main ticketing hall and concourse B are on display through Aug. 4.
Read MoreYoung aggravates colleagues, puts stamp on Marion County
State Senator from Speedway plays outsized role in shaping policy for Indianapolis.
Read MoreObamacare exchanges could zap WellPoint profits
According to one estimate, the Indianapolis-based health insurer will shed $400 million in pre-tax profits by 2017.
Read MoreAngie’s List turning the corner?
Consumer rating service gets stock-price boost from better-than-expected revenue in first quarter.
Read MoreMass transit backers show off new bus technology
National conference gives local elected officials a chance to see the technology they continue to reject.
Read MoreMeijer might finally be coming to Anson
Construction paperwork indicates the store will be almost 200,000 square feet and employ 100 people.
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