MARCH 30-APRIL 5, 2018
Indianapolis-based Lilly Endowment Inc. is the third-largest private charitable foundation in the country and has given hundreds of millions of dollars to arts organization in the city. But once you cross 96th Street? Nothing. The longstanding policy is to keep funds in the city in which Eli Lilly and Co. was founded. Lindsey Erdody reports that Carmel’s arts leaders and Mayor Jim Brainard say it might be time for the foundation’s board to reconsider. Also in this week’s issue, Hayleigh Colombo reports that the Hogsett administration is racing against a deadline to tear down blighted and abandoned homes with $3 million it has remaining from a federal grant. And Scott Olson explores the latest obstacle to the creation of a $3 million fund to spruce up downtown.
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Carmel arts groups shut out as Lilly Endowment funnels millions into Marion County
Mayor Jim Brainard’s vision to turn Carmel into a performing arts hub anchored by a world-class concert hall has come true, but without the support of central Indiana’s most important arts funder.
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Law kicking in July 1 puts backers of $3M downtown fund on hot seat
Suddenly, Downtown Indy’s quest to create an economic improvement district in the Mile Square faces a major new obstacle.
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City rushes to use $3M to raze abandoned houses
The Hogsett administration is racing against an end-of-year deadline to tear down blighted homes with $3 million it has remaining from a federal grant awarded in 2014 to tackle the problem.
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Restaurant-week promotions drive customers to try new eateries
Chefs vie for adventurous diners’ attention by putting together special fixed-price menus, usually three or four courses highlighting some of the chef’s best work.
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Biglari says higher prices wouldn’t fix Steak n Shake, but not everyone agrees
A franchisee says Sardar Biglari's devotion to low prices is taking a toll on the customer experience at Steak n Shake.
Read MoreQ&A: Amanda Bocik, Agape executive director
Bocik six years ago took the helm of the organization, which provides therapeutic horseback riding for people with special needs, and has overseen its continued growth.
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With $135M price tag, second phase of CityWay ramping up quickly
The project will bring 400 additional apartment units, nearly 29,000 square feet of retail space and 19,000 square feet of office space to the southeast side of downtown when work concludes in fall 2019.
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Hogsett proposes ‘cap and trade’ system allowing electronic billboards
Under the proposal, sign owners could convert existing billboards to electronic ones, as long as twice that amount of signage space is removed from the city’s urban core.
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Finish Line’s merger with British suitor could pose challenge to Foot Locker
Combining Indianapolis-based Finish Line Inc. and JD Sports Fashion from across the pond could create a firm within striding distance of the sports apparel industry’s heavyweight, according to an analyst.
Read MoreCarmel thumbs nose at Indiana’s new short-term rentals law
Indiana is the fourth state, following Florida, Idaho and Arizona, to approve statewide standards for short-term rentals.
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Custom homebuilder expands to downtown condos
Litz & Eaton Development Co. and its two affiliates have grown from annual revenue of $1 million in 2011, the year residential developer Brad Litz and custom homebuilder John Eaton founded the company, to an expected $40 million this year.
Read MoreHamilton County nearing Allen as 3rd most populous county
New projections show that fast-growing Hamilton County in suburban Indianapolis could become Indiana's third most-populous county within about a decade, surpassing Fort Wayne's Allen County. State population estimates prepared by Indiana University's Indiana Business Research Center show that Hamilton County has grown by 17 percent since 2010, to 323,000 people. Allen County has grown 5 […]
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Bricks and beams warm up industrial condo
Jeweler Nick Blum turned the former paint manufacturing plant—which dates to the 1890s—into several upscale condos with industrial details.
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EDITORIAL: IPS must do a better job selling $725M tax-hike plan
Taxpayers are willing to pay more for better schools, but they aren’t pushovers. IPS must make a compelling case for the money.
Read MoreFELTMAN: Third and final letter to Amazon’s Bezos
Contrary to national perception, central Indiana has a history of risk-taking, innovation.
Read MoreCROWTHER: Tax reform is opportunity for sustainable investment
Recently, the Indianapolis Prize announced six finalists for 2018. They represent the conservation world’s elite, and the unique aspect of the prize is that it recognizes and rewards their success, rather than mere effort and good intentions.
Read MoreOHRVALL: Businesses that aren’t agile risk being left behind
A team’s agility will determine its level of preparedness for whatever challenge awaits. If adjustments can’t be made quickly, it’s only a matter of time until you’re on the outside looking in.
Read MoreBOHANON & CUROTT: It’s time to unleash power of small banks
The banking system might finally get some relief from the burdensome overregulation that has hamstrung the economy for almost a decade.
Read MoreSKARBECK: Beware of companies using non-GAAP reporting
It has become common practice for U.S companies to thumb their nose at accounting standards in their earnings reports.
Read MoreJARAMILLO: Competing for skilled talent is top challenge
Not only do employees have more options for employment than ever, they also have higher expectations of what they want in a job.
Read MoreLETTER: Facts point to need for stricter gun laws
It’s well documented that among developed countries there is a positive relationship between gun ownership and gun deaths.
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Colts QB Luck throwing footballs again as part of rehab
Andrew Luck’s progress is good news for the Colts, who stand to see a rise in season ticket sales if fans feel more secure about the star quarterback’s health.
Read MoreIU Kelley School opens $14M career center for students, recruiters
The new Conrad Prebys Career Services Center includes about 70 interview rooms and is expected to serve more than 8,000 undergraduate and graduate students.
Read MoreTwo manufacturers plan new plants in Whitestown, nearly 200 jobs
A food-packaging maker and one of the world’s largest bearing manufacturers have plans to spend more than $22 million and lease more than 400,000 square feet of space in Boone County if tax incentives are approved.
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Newcomers add flavors to International Marketplace
If you haven’t been to the International Marketplace in a while (or not at all), here’s a rundown of the newest establishments on the multicultural menu just off Interstate 65 on the west side.
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LOPRESTI: Hoosier fingerprints all over Final Fours—but not this one
From the last unbeaten champs to most prolific shooter, Indiana teams and players fill record books.
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