Marian University and the Cold Spring Innovation Corporation officially celebrated the beginning of renovations to the former Indianapolis Veterans Administration hospital today with a construction kick-off event held on the historic property. This milestone marks the start of a bold, $137 million investment in the Near Northwest Area of Indianapolis through educational programming and the physical renovation of this historic property into a hub for lifelong learning. Central to this investment is the transformation of the historic site into a community asset that supports literacy, early childhood education, and workforce development.
The celebration featured remarks from Indiana Governor Mike Braun, Indianapolis Mayor Joe Hogsett, Marian University President Daniel J. Elsener, and other civic and community leaders, highlighting the economic development and collaboration that will play a central role in revitalizing the Near Northwest neighborhood and advancing educational attainment.
“I’d like to thank Marian University, the Lilly Endowment, and their community partners for spearheading this Riverside Education Innovation District initiative to support literacy, revitalize the former Larue Carter hospital property, and improve the Near Northwest Area community,” said Governor Braun.
Funded through a combination of public and private support, over $38.5 million in commitments have already been secured for both redevelopment of the historic Larue Carter property and educational programming for Near Northwest Area schools and students.
“Once completed, this will not only revitalize a long vacant property, but it will also bring a new sense of possibility to the Near Northwest side of Indianapolis,” said Mayor Joe Hogsett. “In providing educational opportunities for a variety of age groups, including giving crucial support to drive student literacy, this investment uplifts both the lives of students and the surrounding neighborhood.”
President Daniel J. Elsener highlighted Vincennes University’s plan to invest in the property as well, with a career and technical center, and announced an intended partnership with St. Mary’s Early Childhood Center to help meet the need for more early childhood learning seats in the area.
“The data is clear. Increasing educational attainment provides the talent needed to attract investment, opportunity, and advance the dignity of everyone in a community,” said President Daniel J. Elsener. “Marian University is proud to walk alongside our neighbors to improve the well-being of this historically rich and beautiful Near Northwest.”