IBJ’s most-read stories of 2015
Despite national attention paid to RFRA and Jared Fogle, most of IBJ’s top-read online stories this year were the result of deeply sourced reporting on people, issues and businesses specific to central Indiana.
Real Estate
Articles
Landlords face slowing price gains after U.S. records shattered
The Federal Reserve’s first interest-rate increase in nine years has removed a crutch that’s helped sustain 33 consecutive months of price growth of at least 10 percent.
No relief in sight for shortage of affordable housing in area
Marion County is suffering from a severe shortage of affordable housing and the inventory is not expected to increase anytime soon. The most popular financing option to help build affordable housing projects is so limited that only a small fraction of the developments get built.
U.S. home-sale agreements show November slide
Fewer people signed contracts to purchase homes in November, as the real estate market appears to have cooled after sales gains for much of 2015.
Archaeological finds boost transit center costs, delay opening
Construction work on the IndyGo transit center, which is expected to become a hub for most of Indianapolis’ bus lines, has been delayed by seven months. The project’s estimated cost has risen from $20 million to $26.5 million.
Credit union plans to acquire former Meridian Music property
Indiana Members Credit Union is hoping to open a branch in the 18,000-square-foot, two-story brick building on Old Meridian Street in Carmel.
Owner closes all five Indy-area Bagger Dave’s restaurants
Southfield, Michigan-based Diversified Restaurant Holdings Inc. said it shut down eight of its 26 Bagger Dave’s restaurants in all, including seven in Indiana. It said the restaurants were losing money.
Roundup: Broken Beaker opening, second Mimi Blue coming to Carmel, and more
The Broken Beaker micro-distillery is set to open in mid-January on Mass Ave, while Mimi Blue Meatballs is expanding from its lone location, on the Avenue, into Hamilton County.
Local McAlister’s franchisee sells 19 restaurants
McIndy Ventures LLC, which opened its first McAlister’s in 2002 in Indianapolis, has sold its portfolio of eateries across Indiana to Tennessee-based Southern Rock Restaurants LLC.
Chipotle tweaking cooking methods in wake of outbreaks
The fast-but-fresh restaurant chain plans to change the way it handles its meats, vegetables and cheese to combat a hit to its image from incidences of foodborne illness.
U.S. existing home sales tank in November
The introduction of a new disclosure form in October likely prevented many homebuyers from closing on sales in November. Home values are also rising at more than double the pace of wages.
Ransom Place residents mount court challenge to stop project
Three residents have taken the unusual step of asking a Marion County judge to block the $10 million development, arguing it’s too big for the neighborhood.
Hyatt Regency’s lobby, eateries to get $1.3M makeover
The new owners of the Hyatt Regency Indianapolis decided its lower levels needed an overhaul and sharpened culinary focus.
Plainfield shopping center closes early after online threat
The Shops at Perry Crossing in Plainfield was evacuated Friday night after bomb threats were posted on Facebook targeting the mall and its JC Penney store, police said.
$50M project in Speedway to include hotel, apartments
Two local developers are teaming to build a $50 million mixed-use project adjacent to the Indianapolis Motor Speedway that would anchor the town’s revitalized Main Street.
Northwest-side retail center acquired for $6.5 million
Pyramid Place Shops is home to Georgia Reese’s Southern Table & Bar, Einstein Bros. Bagels, Noodles & Co., Qdoba, and Firehouse Subs.
City tapping TIF to fund $4M in IRT building repairs
The gift is part of a new, 10-year lease agreement the city is close to signing with the Indiana Repertory Theatre, which calls for IRT to provide building upkeep by paying into a fund in lieu of rent.
Luxury auto dealer buys Ruth’s Chris building on Keystone
Coast to Coast Imports, which specializes in pre-owned luxury autos, will add a third Indy location, near the busy intersection of Keystone Avenue and East 96th Street.
Simon partner to buy Oslo shopping center for $578M
The Oslo City shopping mall in the Norwegian capital of Oslo has about 355,000 square feet of retail space and 366,000 square feet of offices.
Indy-area home deals slide for eighth straight month
Home sales in November tumbled 11.1 percent in Marion County, from 866 homes to 770. Hamilton County, the area’s second-largest market, saw a similar decrease, with an 11.3 percent drop.