Developer unveils updated redevelopment plan to transform Lafayette Square Mall
A rendering of the gateway entrance to The Square redevelopment. | Rendering provided by Sojos Capital/Susan Decker Media
Back in November 2021, we told you about the redevelopment project that announced plans to transform the ~113-acre site where the former Lafayette Square Mall sits + some of the adjacent buildings into “Window to the World.”
Now, we’re getting a look at the updated redevelopment master plan that has shifted from the idea of “Window to the World” to a reimagined multi-million dollar destination called “The Square.”
“The Square is much more than just a development project,” said Fabio De La Cruz, principal of Sojos Capital. “[...] We want to honor the history of the neighborhood and give a nod to the past while blending modern amenities for the future.”
The Square’s vision transitions from an international theme to focus on the neighborhood’s history and build off of its foundation. In the updated plan, a large portion of the vacant mall space will be demolished to make the best use of the entire property (115 acres).
New buildings will be constructed throughout the 115-acre property, with intentional additions of outdoor experiences for events and green spaces.
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Rendering provided by Sojos Capital/Susan Decker Media
New buildings will be constructed throughout the property to keep many of the amenities that were planned for this project — including dining, shopping, housing, office space, youth education, sports, a film studio, and entertainment.
Infrastructure and public safety improvements are already in progress, with the completion of the new IMPD Northwest District Headquarters (4005 Office Plaza Blvd.), plus more security enhancements to be completed in 2024.
“We are committed to making a positive impact and creating the best neighborhood in Indiana for people to live, work, and play,” said De La Cruz.
Sojos Capital said it’s seeking partnerships with developers + agreements are being finalized and will be announced soon. It’s also working with the City of Indianapolis to pursue incentives.
Events
Friday, Jan. 26
Tasting Society Event | Friday, Jan. 26 | 7-10 p.m. | 1899, 164 Steeples Blvd., Indianapolis | $20 | Taste unlimited samples from a diverse lineup of breweries and distilleries, along with music + food.
Indy Fuel vs. Iowa Heartlanders | Friday, Jan. 26 | 7 p.m. | Indiana Farmers Coliseum, 1202 E. 38th St., Indianapolis | $16-$60 | Cheer on the Fuel as they take on the Iowa Heartlanders during this home hockey match.
Saturday, Jan. 27
Coffee With A Veteran | Saturday, Jan. 27 | 8-9 a.m. | Schoolhouse 7 Cafe, 12125 Cyntheanne Rd., Fishers | Free | Join fellow veterans and servicemembers for some great coffee and a conversation.
Lock and Key (Unlock Possibilities) | Saturday, Jan. 27 | 7-9 p.m. | Nevermore at Union Station, 302 S. Meridian St., Indianapolis | $22-$27 | Get ready to find the key to your lock. Mingle with other singles and win prizes during this interactive mixer.
Couch with Alisa Amador | Saturday, Jan. 27 | 8 p.m. | The Vogue Theatre, 6259 N. College Ave., Indianapolis | $25-$30 | This seven-member Boston-based band will be performing their new EP “Sunshower” amongst other pop songs on their national tour.
Sunday, Jan. 28
The Indy Reads Book Club | Sunday, Jan. 28 | 4 p.m. | Indy Reads, 1066 Virginia Ave., Indianapolis | Free | Hosted by Gya Torres and Casey Culp, this monthly book club is intended to be a fun, easy space to chat about the book of the month.
Indianapolis Home Show | Sunday, Jan. 28 | 10 a.m.-5 p.m. | Indiana State Fairgrounds, 1202 E. 38th St., Indianapolis | $3-$13 | With 400+ booths to explore and several unique feature displays to enjoy, this is a valuable event for all Indianapolis homeowners.
Saturday, Feb. 3
Souper Bowls | Saturday, Feb. 3 | 11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. | Second Helpings, 1121 Southeastern Ave., Indianapolis | $15 | Souper Bowls is back as top local chefs compete to see whose soup reigns supreme — tickets sold out in advance last year, so don’t hold off on purchasing them for this year’s competition.*
Phase One of improvements at Krannert Park — including a brand new indoor pool, a fully-equipped fitness room, expanded offices, and event spaces — opened this week. Phase Two is set to begin in 2025, thanks to an additional $3.7 million from the Lilly Endowment. (WRTV)
Sports
Indiana Pacers star Tyrese Haliburton is among the pool of 41 finalists to make the Olympic roster. Twelve players will be named to the USA Men’s National Team to take part in the Summer Games + the final roster will be announced at a later date. (WTHR)
Announced
It’s the end of an era. Pacers Sports & Entertainment’s president and chief operating officer Rick Fuson announced he plans to retire on June 18 — the same date he began working for the franchise 40 years ago as director of special events at Market Square Arena. (IBJ)
Biz
Meta, which powers Facebook, Messenger, Instagram, and WhatsApp, announced it’s building a new $800 million data center campus in Jeffersonville that will create 100 new jobs. Construction starts this month and the center is expected to open in 2026. (WTHR)
Eat
Yelp released its list of “Top 100 Places to Eat in the US” for 2024, and one Indy restaurant made the list — Livery at No. 66. If you need another reason to go, the Latin-inspired restaurant is participating in Devour Winterfest. (IndyStar)
Award
Can you almost taste victory? The finalists for the 2024 James Beard Awards were revealed, and Thomas Melvin of Vida made the cut — Best Chef: Great Lakes (IL, IN, MI, OH). Winners will be announced June 10 during a ceremony in Chicago.
Community
Hoosiers, you are natural photographers — we’ve chosen the finalists for our INDYtoday Picture of the Year contest, and now we need you to vote for your favorite. See the finalists + vote by Sunday, Jan. 28 to help us crown a winner.
Correction
Somehow we missed this, but on Wednesday we told you about “Somewhere Somehow Pretty Amazing” among our list of local florists — but it’s actually “Something Somehow Pretty Amazing.”
Active
Got an exercise goal, but not sure which gym is worth it? Get a free month of ClassPass + sample multiple gyms and studios with just one membership.*
Edu
Honoring a Hoosier Holocaust survivor
Celebrate Eva Kor Education Day honoring Hoosier Holocaust survivor
Eva Kor mural on Virginia Ave. | Photo via INDYtoday staff
Gov. Holcomb declared Jan. 27 “Eva Education Day” and this Saturday, Jan. 27 marks the fifth year recognizing + honoring Eva Mozes Kor, Indiana’s most prominent Holocaust survivor.
Kor was 10 years old when her family was taken to Auschwitz and in 1960 she came to Terre Haute, Indiana.
Tomorrow, the Indiana Historical Society will take part in Eva Education Day at 450 W. Ohio St. from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. with educational activities, a documentary screening, and two exhibits highlighting Kor’s life and legacy, “Eva Kor from Auschwitz to Indiana” and “Dimensions in Testimony.”
After the documentary screening at 2 p.m., hear from Eva’s son, Alex Kor, during an audience Q+A session. All “Eva Kor Education Day” activities are included with regular museum admission.
Jan. 27 is also the anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz and is recognized as “International Holocaust Remembrance Day.”
The Buy
The Buy 1.26.23 (Affiliate + Six & Main)
A colorful box of bonbons, a heart-shaped peanut butter bar, or any other small business-made chocolate to indulge and treat yourself this weekend. Don’t forget to add a hot cocoa bomb to cart, too.
I’m looking forward to Alamo Drafthouse Cinema opening on the northwest side in the spring. It’ll be the first-ever location in Indiana. If you want to learn more about the franchise, our friends at ATXtoday can tell you all about it.
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