Indianapolis Business Journal

Indiana-based retail firms are hoping to have a holiday shopping season filled with silver and gold, after a tough year that has left them black and blue. Scott Olson makes a list of the new products that Finish Line, HHGregg and Shoe Carnival are pinning their hopes on. Also in this week’s issue, Anthony Schoettle explores how Top 40 dinosaur WZPL-FM recently shot to the top of the local ratings race. And Greg Andrews examines how Stonegate Mortgage is dealing with a reversal in fortunes.

The FBI probe of American Senior Communities LLC has thrust into prominence the Jackson family—the intensely private clan that controls the state’s largest nursing home company. J.K. Wall scores a rare interview with family members to discuss their interconnected businesses and how they developed. Also in this week’s issue, Lindsey Erdody examines how the planned Ikea could change Fishers. And in A&E Etc., Mike Lopresti tries to make sense of the Colts’ season so far.

The Indy Eleven, fresh off their second season, are gearing up to press the General Assembly again to support a financing plan for a new stadium. Anthony Schoettle looks at the soccer team’s continued strong performance and its prospects for legislative success. Also in this week’s issue, Jared Council looks at why the growth in small-business lending is lagging that of other kinds of commercial loans. And in Focus, Anthony Schoettle looks at the tourism plans in the works across Indiana to celebrate the state’s bicentennial.

Although polls suggest the Indianapolis mayor’s race is all but decided, control of the City-County Council is up in the air. Hayleigh Colombo digs into the six most competitive district races, including some of the wealthiest sections of Marion County. Also in this week’s issue, Lindsey Erdody provides a sneak peek into the $60 million development proposed for the Party Time Rental site on Rangeline Road in Carmel. And in Focus, J.K. Wall examines the strategy for developing the 60-acre 16 Tech life sciences and technology campus north of the IU School of Medicine.

The Indiana Pacers will start the NBA regular season on Oct. 28 at 0-0, but the team is already winning on the financial ledger. Anthony Schoettle reports that revenue streams in the new season are headed in the right direction. Also in this week’s issue, Jared Council reveals which of the city’s tech pioneers have decided to get back in the game. And in A&E Etc., Lou Harry finds a lot to recommend about eating in a restaurant located in a grocery store.

A former state senator is taking the reins of the Indiana Horse Racing Commission and promising a turnaround in the industry’s fortunes. Anthony Schoettle explains how Tom Weatherwax plans to beef up promotions, draw out-of-state horsemen to Indiana, and lure more bettors to the state’s two tracks. Also this week, Hayleigh Colombo reports on the holdups that have delayed the demolition of more than 150 blighted homes in Indy. And in A&E Etc., Lou Harry visits “The Addams Family” at Beef & Boards.

Salesforce.com appears to have scrapped plans to build its own downtown headquarters building and instead is seeking a huge block of space in an office tower to satisfy its aggressive growth plans. Scott Olson and Jared Council have the story. Also in this week’s issue, Anthony Schoettle looks at the future of daily fantasy sports in Indiana now that legislators are examining how closely the pastime fits the definition of gambling. And in Focus, Chris O’Malley catches up with commercial group in historic Irvington.

Behind closed doors, Gov. Mike Pence and a close group of advisers are searching for a solution to a controversy that could threaten his re-election. Hayleigh Colombo reports on efforts to avoid another ugly debate on LGBT rights and find a compromise amenable to all sides. Also in this week’s issue, J.K. Wall explains how the push to unionize nurses at IU Health’s downtown facilities has stalled. And in A&E Etc., Lou Harry tries to bust out of downtown’s new Escape Room.

Welcome to IBJ’s second annual Interview Issue, designed to give you fresh insight into the Indy-area luminaries you thought you already knew. We’ve spent the last two months rounding up 33 of the most fascinating folks in central Indiana, including both mayoral candidates, a Supreme Court Justice, an Ebola survivor, an “SNL” cast member, several entrepreneurs, and a legend of IU hoops. Click here to get started!

Circle Centre mall helped spark a renaissance downtown 20 years ago, and it now could use its own rejuvenation. Greg Andrews reveals that mall giant Simon Property Group is proposing a $20 million renovation to freshen its lighting, seating, food court, exterior and more. Also in this issue, Scott Olson reports that the Indianapolis Zoo has entered an unusual land deal to expand its exhibit space. And in Focus, IBJ takes an in-depth look at the modern design of Cummins’ $30 million divisional HQ under construction downtown.

Steve Hilbert is back in the insurance business. The controversial co-founder and former CEO of Conseco Inc. has joined other investors to acquire a life insurance firm. J.K. Wall has the scoop from leader Hilbert on his intentions for growing the firm. Also in this issue, Hayleigh Colombo explains how property tax bills in Marion County could rise, if big-box retailers successfully appeal assessed valuations for their buildings. And in A&E Etc., sports columnist Mike Lopresti catches up with Tamika Catchings as she puts the final touches on her legacy.

USA Funds’ business is dying. But the Fishers-based not-for-profit with nearly $600 million in annual revenue is determined to find new life doing what it’s always done—helping students pay for college degrees. J.K. Wall has the story. Also in this issue, Scott Olson reports that a Missouri developer wants to build a $10 million senior living center on one of 86th Street’s most trafficked intersections. And Lou Harry presents his annual Arts & Entertainment Season Preview, with more than 125 critic’s picks.

After much political wrangling, the electric-car service BlueIndy is ready to hit the read. Hayleigh Colombo examines its prospects for success. Also, Scott Olson looks at a snag with the Midtown TIF that has put in peril high-profile projects in the corridor. In addition, Anthony Schoettle looks at a unique partnership that the Indianapolis Monumental Marathon has cut with the media company Gannett.

Coming out of the Great Recession, the counties surrounding Indianapolis have sprinted ahead in their numbers of high-tech jobs and highly educated workers. Meanwhile, Marion County is sucking wind. J.K. Wall reports on recent data on jobs growth that point to a problem for the whole region. Also in this issue, Scott Olson has the latest on the $50 million apartment and retail project planned for Mass Ave, and Mike Lopresti catches up with former IU slugger Kyle Schwarber, now having a huge impact on the Cubs.

The mammoth Grand Park sports complex is widely known as a city property, but Westfield actually owns less than half of the land. That has resulted in an unusual arrangement in which the city has paid hundreds of thousands of dollars in rent and even property taxes for the land, Lindey Erdody reports. Also in this week’s issue, Anthony Schoettle reveals that several IndyCar teams are struggling financially, bringing into question the viability of the series itself. And in A&E Etc., Mike Lopresti has a preview of the upcoming football season, from local high schools to the NFL.<

It’s perhaps the most appealing redevelopment opportunity in downtown Indianapolis: the 1931 art-deco Coca-Cola bottling plant on Massachusetts Ave. Scott Olson examines the chances that it would be torn down or incorporated into a new scheme. Also in this issue, Hayleigh Colombo asks how Jim Schellinger, the new head of the state’s economic development arm, can improve wages for Hoosiers. And in A&E Etc., Lou Harry features great new games from Gen Con.

Angie’s List is at a crossroads. It’s searching for a new CEO and adding layers to its original business model while investor lose patience with persistent losses. Jared Council examines the issues making shareholders antsy. Also in this week’s issue, Scott Olson reports on disputes over the assessments of several downtown skyscrapers. And in A&E Etc., Mike Lopresti runs the numbers of most importance to Colts fans this season.

The annual Gen Con convention in Indianapolis has become a powerhouse in the growing $880 million international hobby game business. Lou Harry takes you behind the scenes. Also in this week’s issue, Anthony Schoettle examines how area golf courses are dealing with persistent rains and flooding. And in A&E Etc., Mike Lopresti visits Victory Field to meet an all-star groundskeeper annually voted as the best in the business.