10.12.2023

Today’s Forecast

79º | Sunny | 10% chance of rain | Sunrise 7:52 a.m. | Sunset 7:10 p.m.

🔑 Home sweet ADU home

ADU 101: How to add a small, secondary home to your Indianapolis backyard

INDYtoday: INDY_carriage house ADU Airbnb_OCT23

Got some extra room in your backyard? Building an ADU and renting it out to loved ones or as an Airbnb can maximize both your space and your income. | Photo via Airbnb

While local leaders work to increase the supply of quality housing that is sustainable, accessible, and affordable while also enhancing + preserving diverse neighborhoods, homeowners can consider their own option: building an accessory dwelling unit, or ADU.

What’s an ADU?

Also known as a carriage house, in-law unit, granny flat, or backyard cottage, an ADU is an additional smaller dwelling unit created on the same lot as a single-family home. An ADU can be created by converting part of the existing house or garage, or by constructing a new building.

According to Freddie Mac, ADU construction has increased by an average of 8.6% per year over the last decade. This trend shows no sign of slowing down, since ADUs can increase a home’s value by as much as 35%.

Can I build one on my property?

Before you start loading up on lumber, you’ll want to research your home’s permit history and make sure your ADU dreams align with the city’s zoning codes. The Department of Business and Neighborhood Services has a handy checklist to help with the process.

Once you’re in the clear, you can start shopping for contractors — or learn what the state of Indiana requires if you plan to do the work yourself.

INDYtoday: INDY_Carriage House ADU Airbnb 2_OCT23 — ADUs can be built to match the architecture of the surrounding area or the other house on the same lot so they don’t become an eyesore.
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Photo via Airbnb

How much will it cost me?

We’ve found local builders that offer smaller ADUs starting at $135,000, while Living Room Realty estimates that building a larger detached ADU from scratch can cost at least $200,000-$250,000. However, there’s always hope for developing options that are far less expensive — the City of Bloomington recently created an online catalog of predesigned ADUs that may be constructed for far less.

You can explore different financing options, like taking out a home equity loan, through local institutions specializing in ADU builds. Keep in mind that adding an ADU will lead to increased property taxes.

Where can I learn more?

Get in touch with the Department of Business and Neighborhood Services Monday-Friday, 9 a.m.-4 p.m.

Events

Thursday, Oct. 12

Tinker House Taco Takeover | Thursday, Oct. 12 | 5-10 p.m. | Tinker House, 1101 E. 16th St., Indianapolis | Cost of purchase | Every Thursday, Gordito’s Food Truck will be serving up tacos + tortas to enjoy on the pet-friendly patio.
THE PROM | Thursday, Oct. 12 | 7 p.m. | Booth Tarkington Civic Theatre, 3 Carter Green, Ste. 200, Carmel | $32-$59 | Winner of the Drama Desk Award for Best Musical, this show captures all the humor and heart of a classic musical comedy with a modern message.

Friday, Oct. 13

Olivia Rodrigo Vampire Dance Party | Friday, Oct. 13 | 8 p.m. | The Vogue Theatre, 6259 N. College Ave., Indianapolis | $10-$20 | Put on your best vampire costume and sing along to all the best Olivia classics plus other pop artists.

Saturday, Oct. 14

ISO Teddy Bear Concert | Saturday, Oct. 14 | 11 a.m.-12 p.m. | Indianapolis Public Library West Perry Branch, 6650 S. Harding St., Indianapolis | Free | Join members of the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra for a family concert featuring children’s stories set to music.
Cumberland Trail & Treat | Saturday, Oct. 14 | 3-5 p.m. | Lions Park, 301 N. Buck Creek Rd., Cumberland | Free | Whether you’re a tiny tot, a seasoned trick-or-treater, or even a four-legged friend, the Cumberland Trail & Treat guarantees something for everyone.
REPLAY | Saturday, Oct. 14 | 7-11 p.m. | Onyx Event Center, 7545 Rockville Rd., Ste. 100, Indianapolis | $25-$90 | Get those promposals ready and join a 21+ prom including corsages, prom pics, dancing, food, and a silent auction benefiting The Gifted Gown.

Sunday, Oct. 15

Music of Tomorrow: Pocket Vinyl (Concert & Live Painting) | Sunday, Oct. 15 | 7-9 p.m. | Tomorrow Bookstore, 882 Mass Ave., Indianapolis | $10-$35 | Come see Pocket Vinyl perform their fantastic piano/painting show, followed by a discussion and reading from their book.

Events calendar here

Click here to have your event featured.

Tech

Send a shark after your compromised data floating around the web

data breach alert computer unlocked steal.jpg

Surfshark One is a cybersecurity bundle for all-over protection. | Photo by Surfshark

DYK? Online data leaks give hackers an easy opportunity to gain access to your personal information and accounts — potentially leading to financial fraud and identity theft.

That’s why it’s essential to take your cybersecurity into your own hands.

For an easy way to manage it all, consider 24/7 breach monitoring with Surfshark Alert, which keeps you safe with:

Real-time credit card + ID breach alerts
Instant email data breach notifications
Regular personal data security reports

Stop worrying about data breaches — get Surfshark Alert

News Notes

Civic

Early voting for 2023 municipal elections has begun across the state. Here’s everything you need to know about making your voice heard.

Community

Downtown Indy, Inc. and city officials are partnering with Horizon House and Adult and Child Health to help people experiencing homelessness around downtown Indianapolis. The new initiative will include hiring six outreach specialists to support the community. (WTHR)

Biz

Indianapolis-based health-tech startup Plan Forward LLC, led by IU alumna Megan Lohman, just secured a $2 million investment. The startup helps dental practices create membership plans for uninsured patients, supported by a software platform. Great reminder to book a cleaning soon. (IBJ)

Education

Some students in Marion County are getting their first experience with AI. The Metropolitan School District of Lawrence Township received a pilot grant from the Indiana Department of Education to explore potential uses for the new tech in classrooms. The grant is being used to test AI for reading assistance. (WISH)

Older Adults

Developer Leo Brown Group has submitted plans for a 200-unit senior-living community named Traditions of Westfield, to be located near Grand Park Sports Campus. The $65 million project would include a three-story, 150,000-sqft main building and eight villa-style buildings. (IBJ)

Arts

Just in time to wrap up Hispanic Heritage Month, local Mexican-American artists Joy Hernandez and Alejandra Carrillo are finishing their massive mural outside the Mexican Consulate. The colorful artwork celebrates 200 years of US-Mexico relations. (WISH)

Concert

Experience the magic of the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra live in concert this fall. Three of their best performances are happening this month — see our full recap, and reserve your tickets.*

Hoosier

And the best neighbor award goes to… you, for directly supporting INDYtoday with the gift of your membership. Not only will you join our super cool membership club (and get perks including birthday shoutouts), but you’ll keep this newsletter free for the entire neighborhood. Way to go, neighbor.

Seasonal

🍬 All treats, no tricks

The best trick-or-treating neighborhoods in Indianapolis

INDY_Irvington Halloween decorations_SEPT2022

Irvington is known as the Halloweentown of Indy, so the neighbors here go all out on decorations. | Photo by @findalottolove

In just a few days, families will hit Indy’s streets dressed as superheroes, monsters, princesses, and everything in between in search of full-sized candy bars and Indiana’s favorite Halloween candy, Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups.

But which neighborhoods will keep your night the sweetest? We’ve rounded up a few of the most popular areas in Indy for trick-or-treaters.

Irvington

The delightfully decorated yards and porches of Irvington make it easy to tell that residents are friendly towards trick-or-treaters, not frightening. Reader Katy B. told us, “Irvington has a crazy showing. It’s always great, but it’s exceptional this year.” Families also have a good shot at picking up free sweets at an official festival event.

Woodruff Place

A close stand-in for a movie Halloween town, the tall trees and Victorian homes lining these streets set a spooky scene for a sugary haul.

Meridian-Kessler

Known as one of Indy’s safest neighborhoods, the huge houses and family-friendly streets hold major promise for those on a full-sized mission.

What are your favorite neighborhoods for scoring Halloween candy? Give us some sugar.

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The Wrap

Today’s edition by:
Shea

From the editor

In the wake of that soul-crushing Starburst news, I can’t stop thinking about those of you who would choose a fruity candy over a chocolatey one. Maybe this will settle the score: how do you feel about candy corn?

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