In response to the community’s desire for affordable senior housing, Midtown Indy has partnered with local developer Flaherty & Collins Properties to transform the former United Way headquarters at 3901 N. Meridian Street into Parkside at Tarkington. Built in 1969 as an office building, it now features 60 units of mixed-income senior housing and 8,000 square feet of commercial space which is still available.
Parkside is wrapping up construction this fall and the pre-leasing of affordable apartment homes has begun. All units are available to income-qualified seniors looking to age in place. Twenty percent of the units are reserved for 55+ households with at least one member who has an intellectual or developmental disability.
Amenities include community lounge with kitchenette, theatre room, computer center, fitness room, and proximity to the Red Line Bus Rapid Transit station at 38th & Meridian as well as Tarkington Park.
“The prospect of a vacant 75,000 square foot office building adjacent to Tarkington Park was unacceptable,” said Michael McKillip, Midtown Indy executive director. “This was a significant property in need of millions of dollars of repair so Midtown Indy partnered with Flaherty & Collins to pursue a community-expressed priority for affordable senior housing.”
“It has taken a long time to bring that vision to reality and it couldn’t have been possible without the support of Indianapolis Neighborhood Housing Partnership, United Way of Central Indiana, and the City of Indianapolis,” he added.
In 2014, the partnership responded to a Request for Proposals from the United Way of Central Indiana which sought to sell the building to a community-minded development team. Midtown Indy and Flaherty & Collins were selected after a competitive process.
To request an application, call 463-900-8040 or email parkside@flco.com
UPDATE: DPW OPEN HOUSE SCHEDULED FOR WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 24 TO DISCUSS WESTFIELD BRIDGE REPAIR PROJECT
The Westfield Boulevard bridge over the Central Canal in Broad Ripple is long-overdue for some attention. Built in 1948, the structure was deemed in "poor condition" in a 2017 analysis because of cracks and holes in the concrete and other issues. The City of Indianapolis Department of Public Works (DPW) will host a public information session about the project from 6 - 7:30 p.m. on Wednesday, August 24 at the Indianapolis Art Center, 820 E. 67th St. The $1.6 million project will replace the existing bridge with a new single-span three-sided arch bridge and railings. While the existing concrete bridge base will be retained, the roadway will be resurfaced. Pedestrian connectivity will also be improved with the addition of a 6-foot wide, ADA-compliant sidewalk along the western edge of the bridge. Canal bank stabilization on the northwest portion of the project is also slated to occur. Construction is expected to begin later this year with completion scheduled for summer of 2023. Westfield Blvd. will be closed at 64th Street as well as at the intersection of Westfield, Winthrop and Riviera Drive. Access to the Monon Trail will be maintained. DPW is coordinating with utilities and contractors working on the Broad Ripple Avenue drainage project to minimize traffic disruption.
MIDTOWN EXTENDS DEADLINE FOR SURVEY
TO AUGUST 31. REGISTER TO WIN GIFT CARD.
In partnership with the nonprofit consulting firm Hedges, Midtown Indy is in the process of developing a strategic plan to map out the organization's role and focus for the next 3-5 years. The Board of Directors considers community input an essential ingredient for the plan and wants to collect a range of perspectives through in-person and virtual meetings. To broaden the number and type of comments, the Board is asking community members to participate by completing a brief survey. Either scan the QR code above or click on this link.
The anonymous survey should take only 5-8 minutes to complete. The deadline has been extended to Friday, August 31st in order to gather as many responses as possible. Respondents who complete the survey may enter to win a $20 gift card! Thanks for your help.
BREATHE EASIER RIDING INDYGO
IndyGo has opted to clear the air for its riders even though the Federal Transit Administration has lifted its mask mandate. IndyGo is the first transit system in the nation to install the state-of-the-art Lumin-Air UV-C light air filtration systems on its entire fleet. The UV-C system draws in air from the bus compartment, filters it, eliminates contaminants, and returns the clean air back to the bus. The HVAC system filters the entire volume of air in the bus every two minutes, ensuring the continuous replenishment of clean air inside the bus. The filtration system does not shine UV light on riders and does not emit contaminants into the air riders breathe.
“Our buses now have some of the cleanest air in the country,” said IndyGo President and CEO Inez Evans. “With the installation of this system, we’re demonstrating how we prioritize safety.” IndyGo announced its partnership with Fishers-based Lumin-Air in November, 2021 when it began installing filtration systems on Bus Rapid Transit and para-transit buses. “Our solution helps remove contaminants from the air with safe, proven technology in order to reduce the risk of airborne pathogen transmission on transit vehicles,” Lumin-Air’s co-founder and COO Andrew Desmarais said. While no longer mandatory, masks may be worn by IndyGo riders and drivers. Learn more about the system here.
PURPLE LINE UPDATE
Now that the State Fair is overation construction will begin at 38th Street and Coliseum Avenue on or after Aug. 29, Work will be performed within the lanes that are currently barreled off and is not expected to impede traffic.
FUTURE ROUTE IMPROVEMENTS SURVEY
To ensure that IndyGo's future service plan provides the most good for the most people, the city's transit agency has developed an online survey to solicit community feedback.
Help IndyGo evaluate its future route improvements by taking a survey. The feedback will inform upcoming public outreach and engagement efforts, and assist in aligning transit services with community needs, now and in the coming years.
VIOLENCE REDUCTION GRANTS AVAILABLE
The City of Indianapolis Office of Public Health and Safety (OPHS) is dedicating $300,000 in grant funds to develop new partnerships to reduce violence. Eligible non-profit organizations who serve Indianapolis neighborhoods with violent crime rates that exceed the city-wide average may apply for a total of $300,000 that has been dedicated to this effort. Awards between $75,000 and $100,0000 will be distributed to each recipient. More information can be found here.
The July/August issue of Midtown Indy Magazine will arrive soon in residential mailboxes in all 17 Midtown neighborhoods.
Ad deadline for the Sept/Oct issue is August 27. For advertising details, sponsorship opportunities, editorial guidance, or distribution info, email tom@midtownindy.org
August 25, meet in Fall Creek and 30th St. Park at Fall Creek & College. 5:45 - 7 p.m. Leisurely group rides. Use a Pacers Bikeshare bike for free or bring your own two-wheeler.
SUMMER NIGHTS FILM SERIES Friday, August 26,Chocolat.Newfields Amphitheater, 4000 Michigan Road.Advance tickets required.Evenings kick off at 7 p.m. with music and activities. Movies start at dusk.
A showcase of documentaries portraying the African American experience to inspire socially conscious cultural discourse.
2802 BLOCK PARTY
Saturday, August 27, 1 - 6 p.m., 28th St. between Central Ave. and New Jersey. Free community building event. Food, vendors, music and more.
BLUES AND BBQ Saturday, August 27, 2-7 p.m. The National, 215 E 38th Street
Friends of 38th hosts the second annual free family-friendly event featuring food and music.
MUSEUM BY MOONLIGHT Friday August 27, 8 p.m. - midnight. The Children's Museum of Indianapolis, 3000 N. Meridian Street. Adults 21 and older take over the museum to dance with dinos, learn about the science of beer, test athletic ability and eat and drink a libation or two.Order tickets.
CRITICAL CONVERSATIONS ON RACE AND MAJOR TAYLORSaturday, August 28, 3-5 p.m. Flanner House, 2424 Dr. MLK Jr. St.,Join the Indiana State Museum in partnership with Spirit & Place as we discuss race, racism, and the resulting impact it had on black bicycle racing champion Major Taylor. Free program but registration is required.
INDIANAPOLIS SYMPHONIC CHOIR AUDITION REQUESTS
due Monday, Sept. 4. The next round of auditions are scheduled for Saturday, September 17. Details.
INDY PARKS SPLASH PADSare open from 8 a.m .- 8 p.m .until September 5. Midtown splash pads include:
SOBRO FARMERS MARKETWednesdays, 4 - 7 p.m., 2201 E. 46th Street. New location for the market that runs through September.
MINDFUL MOVEMENT AT TARKINGTON PARK. Presented by Indiana Community Yoga & Tea's Me.Every Friday through Oct. 30, 11 a.m. - Noon. Free and open to the public.
VOLUNTEERS NEEDED
Spirit & Place is looking for friendly faces to help distribute festival event guides at The Penrod Arts Fair on Saturday, Sept. 10. Morning, mid-day, and afternoon shifts available. Details online.
According to the Aug 22 report by the Marion County Public Health Department (MCPHD), community transmission is rated “High” in Marion County. The CDC’s COVID-19 Community Level report states that Marion County’s Community level is “Medium.” Metrics used to determine the COVID-19 Community Level include case rate per 100,000 residents, new COVID-19 hospital admissions per 100,000 population, and percent of staffed inpatient beds in use by patients with confirmed COVID.
MCPHD is also tracking the spread of the monkeypox virus. The range for potential number of cases is currently wide, because of low testing and an unknown amount of community spread makes it hard to determine the rate of infection. Marion County has 68 confirmed cases as of August 21, a 70% increase over the previous count. The Jynneos vaccine is currently being distributed and MCPHD and partners are working on a vaccination plan.
RESOURCES
988 is a new national three-digit dialing code to reach the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline. In Indiana, Hoosiers experiencing mental health-related distress can connect with a trained crisis specialist by dialing 988.
FREE GUN LOCKS AT INDY PUBLIC LIBRARY LOCATIONS. In partnership with The Marion County Sheriff's Office, The Indianapolis Public Library is once again offering free gun locks at all branches including College Avenue, Glendale, and InfoZone locations in Midtown. Adult patrons can ask a staff member for a free lock. Most branches have a supply on hand but patrons may also call ahead to confirm availability. If the branch does not have any locks on hand, branch staff can request as many as the patron needs and they should be available at the branch in 1-5 business days.
FREE COVID-19 at-home tests. Each household in the U.S. can now have four free COVID-19 at-home tests shipped directly to their home at no cost! Visit this websiteand enter your contact information and mailing address. The tests are rapid antigen "at-home" or "self" tests — not PCR tests which require a lab drop-off. The "at-home" or "self" tests can be taken anywhere and give results within 30 minutes. Public health reporting by Midtown Indy is made possible by a grant from the Marion County Public Health Department.
THE MARION COUNTY HATE CRIMES HOTLINEprovides a reporting mechanism for people who believe they have experienced or witnessed a potential bias-motivated crime. 317-327-5314.
RESIDENTS CAN SUBMIT A TRAFFIC COMPLAINT ONLINE. by clicking here Complaints can include speeding and hazardous driving, Illegal turns, drivers not obeying traffic signs, illegally parked vehicles, or drivers running red lights. IMPD will review each complaint and determine the best way to respond.
CRIME STOPPER
Have information about a crime? Call Crime Stoppers of Central Indiana, 317.262.TIPS (8477). Or download the mobile P3tips app for Apple or Android phones, or submit a web tip. You will remain anonymous and may be eligible for a cash reward of up to $1000 if the information leads to a felony arrest. Only tips submitted directly and anonymously to Crime Stoppers are eligible for these cash rewards. Information provided via Crime Stoppers should be considered anonymous.
IDEM's 24-HOUR EMERGENCY SPILLLINE. Report hazardous spills by calling 888-233-7745
MAYOR'S ACTION CENTERReport potholes via the Request Indy website, the mobile app on iPhone or Android, or by calling the Mayor's Action Center at 317-327-4622.
IMPO Traffic Counts - Average Annual Daily Traffic (AADT) Estimates This interactive traffic count map shows Average Annual Daily Traffic (AADT) estimates for major roads in the Indianapolis Metropolitan Planning Organization's 8-county region.
Contributions are tax deductible to the extent allowed by law.
Our mission: to cultivate an equitable, healthy, and sustainable community in which stakeholders of all incomes, races, and ethnicities have access to the opportunities, services, and amenities they need to thrive.
Midtown Indianapolis, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization dedicated to the economic growth and revitalization of a 12-square mile region known as Midtown Indianapolis. Our focus is on making things happen by creating connections and advocating for projects and programs that positively impact quality of life and economic vitality in Midtown Indianapolis.
To learn more about how you can support our work, contact Michael McKillip at michael@midtownindy.org.
Midtown Indianapolis Inc. | 3965 N. Meridian Street, Suite G | Indianapolis, IN 46208
