Blighted Neighborhoods Targeted For Renewal Project

INDIANAPOLIS -- A national team of architects rolled through some blighted neighborhoods on Indianapolis' near-north side Wednesday in an effort that could eventually breathe new life into the area.

A team affiliated with the American Institute of Architects is looking at improvements that could be made to an area bordered by 30th Street to the north, Interstate 70 to the south, College Avenue to the west and Keystone Avenue to the east.

Urban planners said the goal is to not only spruce up the area, but also bring in businesses so that people who live in the neighborhoods might have a brighter future, 6News' Julie Pursley reported.

Abandoned buildings and vacant homes litter the area, frustrating people who still live in their homes.

"This house has been empty … I don't know how many years," said Julius King, pointing to a nearby home.

The architects, working in conjunction with city leaders and residents, hope to redesign neighborhoods.

"(This) gives us a chance to have national experts come in and work with the community to give us ideas," said Sanford Garner, of the AIA.

The team embarked on a bus and walking tour of the area, with an eye toward improvements that could be made to parks, streets and sidewalks.

"We are keeping the neighborhood involved from the beginning," said Karen Haley, of the Indianapolis Office of Sustainability. "It's important to point out we are not coming in to redevelop the neighborhood. It's a neighborhood renewal."

The team hopes that people involved in churches and neighborhood groups will share their ideas to make the vision a reality.

A free community dinner and discussion is planned for the Washington Park Family Center, at 3130 E. 30th St., at 5:15 p.m.

Indianapolis said the effort isn't costing the city anything because of an award that Indianapolis and Ball State University won from the American Institute of Architects.

Citizens Gas picked up the tab for the bus tour and dinner because the program will also teach residents how to reduce energy usage. The group's goal is to complete the renewal project within five years.

More Info: Indianapolis Growth