Three sites on Central State’s campus are being considered for redevelopment, which means Indy is about to have three more reasons to visit the near west side in the coming years.
Central State Powerhouse
In its original capacity, this building supplied electricity to the Indiana Hospital for the Insane and later the Central State Hospital, which closed in 1994. For a bit of context, the hospital opened in 1848 + closed in favor of community-based care. It is now the Indiana Medical History Museum.
City officials are looking to add even more affordable housing to complement the 500+ units of market-rate apartments that have been built on the Central State Campus since 2012.
Tibbs Avenue Garage + Complex
The nine-acre site was established in 1933 + operated as a hub for INDOT’s highway services. Its southeast corner is being used as a salt barn — a hot commodity in the Midwest.
Officials are looking for proposals that preserve the integrity of the neighborhood and have mentioned ideas of breweries and housing for the site’s future.
Old IFD Station 18
Constructed in 1936, this structure has been abandoned since 1994 and is located right off Washington Street. It was designed by local architects and is noted for its advanced design for a fire station in Indiana.
Officials want to maintain the character of the building and because the Blue Line is planned to run through this spot, they see it relying on transit-oriented development.
Since 2004, the city has been redeveloping the Central State campus — all 160 acres of it.
If you haven’t visited lately, here’s what you’re missing:
- People for Urban Progress (PUP)
- Four public play areas for children
- 1899 Event Center
- Indiana Medical History Museum
- Public football field + running track
- The Grove greenspace
- Christel House West Academy
Developers have until Mon., April 18 to submit proposals. We wouldn’t mind sipping some Mansion Society coffee while strolling through a new art gallery.
