Volunteers made their way to the University of Indianapolis campus last week for a project in partnership with Keep Indianapolis Beautiful and the South Indy Quality of Life Plan to plant trees along the Shelby St. corridor on campus. The initiative came as a result of the South Indy Quality of Life Plan applying for, and receiving, a grant from the Indiana Neighborhood Housing Partnership.
Update, June 18: Construction continues with roadway and sidewalk improvements.
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Indy Go announced that construction on the $96 million first phase of the Red Line bus project will begin Monday, June 4.
Construction will begin with roadway and sidewalk improvements along Shelby Street — drivers will notice advance construction signage and some traffic pattern adjustments. No lane restrictions are anticipated, but some lane shifts will occur along Shelby Street at Campus Drive North, Southern Avenue, and Pleasant Run Parkway South Drive.
For more information visit: https://www.indygored.
The University of Indianapolis will play a key role in implementing a recently completed Quality of Life plan impacting south Indianapolis, the result of a collaboration between campus, community and nearby businesses that began in February 2015. The plan was revealed during a Dec. 13 campus celebration.
Plan developers engaged more than 400 surrounding residents and business owners. From new walkways and urban gardens to additional healthcare facilities, housing options and job initiatives, the plan cites several critical needs defined by area residents. History, tradition and community development were common themes during the public meetings and outreach by neighborhood associations and community groups to formulate a “shared vision” of life in South Indianapolis, which since has been branded as SoIndy (www.soindy.org).
UIndy hosted a celebration recently to unveil a Quality of Life plan for improvements in South Indy. Campus, community and businesses all contributed to the effort.
“Ultimately, this is Our plan together, and we will carry it out together,” Tedd Grain, deputy director of LISC, told a large group of stakeholders at the UIndy Health Pavilion. “We are so excited about celebrating the unique vibrancy of South Indy, and the Quality of Life plan will foster that.”
The University of Indianapolis is considered an anchor for the region, defined by the Quality of Life plan as eight-square blocks mostly north of I-465, west to Bluff Road, east to I-65 and south of Raymond Street. Target initiatives include Thriving Households, Healthy Communities and Talent and Trades.
“Along with many of our neighbors and the surrounding business community, UIndy is committed to being a catalyst for positive change in south Indianapolis,” said UIndy President Rob Manuel. “This Quality of Life plan showcases the wonderful people and amenities that make up this unique area and provides a foundation for what see as our future.”
University of Indianapolis has joined #GivingTuesday, a global day of giving that harnesses the collective power of individuals, communities and organizations to encourage philanthropy and to celebrate generosity worldwide. A Perfect Match…Starts with You is a campaign that recognizes the strong connection University of Indianapolis students and alumni have to service and aims to give back to the kids at the Laurelwood housing community.
Occurring this year on November 29, #GivingTuesday is held annually on the Tuesday after Thanksgiving (in the U.S.) and the widely recognized shopping events Black Friday and Cyber Monday to kick-off the holiday giving season and inspire people to collaborate in improving their local communities and to give back in impactful ways to the charities and causes they support.
The University of Indianapolis has partnered with the Laurelwood Community, a low-income Indianapolis community in the University’s neighborhood that is home to a unique after-school program operated in partnership with University of Indianapolis students and the YMCA. One of the most essential but often overlooked needs children may have is a good pair of socks. When a $25 gift is made to the University of Indianapolis on #GivingTuesday, the donor will receive custom UIndy socks and the University will donate a pair to the children at Laurelwood.
Cutting the ribbon at Greyhound Village on Thursday morning are (from left) Strategic Capital Partners CEO Gene Zink, UIndy student Erin Jackson, UIndy President Robert Manuel, Indianapolis Mayor Joe Hogsett, UIndy Board of Trustees Chair Yvonne Shaheen and University Chaplain Jeremiah Gibbs.
News coverage:
WTHR
WISH
Inside Indiana Business
More photos: UIndy Facebook
UIndy’s new Greyhound Village represents not just the cutting edge of student housing, but also the new potential of Indianapolis’ Shelby Street corridor, speakers agreed Thursday at the dedication ceremony for the four-story, 486-resident campus apartment building.
“Projects like this one have the power to be transformational, not just for this university — although I know it will be — it is transformational for our entire city,” said Mayor Joe Hogsett. “This expansion of UIndy housing can build on the momentum we’ve seen throughout Indianapolis by attracting new residents to the surrounding area, by encouraging small business to expand and to embolden future development.”
Greyhound Village is on the east side of Shelby Street, adjacent to a planned station on the bus rapid transit Red Line that soon will connect the UIndy campus to Fountain Square, downtown, Broad Ripple and key points in between.
New apartments seen as catalyst for development; Mayor Hogsett to speak
The community is welcome and Mayor Joe Hogsett will be among the speakers Thursday, when the University of Indianapolis conducts a dedication ceremony for the new 486-bed Greyhound Village student apartments.
The project not only will set a new standard for campus housing, but it also is eyed by university and city officials as a key step in attracting economic development to the Shelby Street corridor and its intersection with Hanna Avenue, enhancing quality of life for the surrounding community. UIndy President Robert Manuel is expected to share further details of that vision during the ceremony.
July 2016 at UIndy included renovations for new programs, innovative youth camps, Olympic qualifiers and a three-ton addition to the campus sculpture walk.
Detail of Red Line route (click to enlarge)
The effort to upgrade public transportation in Indianapolis took a major step forward Monday when the City-County Council voted to add a funding referendum to the November election ballot in Marion County.
Voters will be asked if they support a .25 percent local income tax increase to help pay for the IndyGo Marion County Transit Plan, a package of improvements that include a bus rapid transit line linking the UIndy campus to Broad Ripple, downtown, Fountain Square, Garfield Park and other popular destinations.
Supporters expect federal money to cover construction costs for the first 13-mile phase of the Red Line, which could be operating as soon as Fall 2018. The tax hike would help cover annual operating costs.
Read more in the Indianapolis Star and Indianapolis Business Journal.
UIndy students Jinali Shah (left) and Aakanksha Bhagwal perform traditional Indian dance during Saturday’s Perry Cultural Festival at the Baxter YMCA. Not pictured is Aniketh Chavan.(Photo courtesy Perry Cultural Festival)
The second annual edition of the Perry Cultural Festival drew some attention over the weekend, thanks in part to significant involvement by the UIndy community.
The event Saturday at the Baxter YMCA celebrated the diversity of Indy’s Southside, with food, music, dance, crafts, a soccer tournament and other family-friendly attractions representing the cultures of local residents, including German-American, African-American, Latino, Chin and others. Perry Township Schools also partnered in presenting the event. The Indianapolis Star has a story and photos here.
Among other contributions, UIndy’s Center for Service-Learning & Community Engagement, Professional Edge Center and Team Business assisted with general planning and organization as well as recruiting volunteers, securing sponsors, organizing vendors and other needs. Faculty and students from the Department of Art & Design created the logo, signs, banners and other branding for the event. Former UIndy staffer Marylynne Winslow co-chaired the festival.
See other photos and video at the festival’s Facebook page and in the Southside Times.
Roommates Alexis Kersey (left) and Makenzie Mick check out the kitchen decor during a recent hard-hat tour of Greyhound Village, the 480-bed apartment building taking shape at the northwest corner of campus.
After months of viewing digital renderings and watching the construction from afar, the UIndy community can now see and touch tangible examples of life in Greyhound Village, which will bring an entirely new housing option to campus when it opens later this year.
On Tuesday the project’s furniture provider, ULoft, will park its mobile showroom outside Schwitzer Student Center from 6 to 8 p.m., offering a chance to see the planned furnishings and pick up a free sub sandwich from Jimmy John’s. Residence Life staff will available inside Schwitzer to discuss campus housing options and assist with lease signings.
For those seeking a closer look, hard-hat tours of the Shelby Street building are taking place at 2 p.m. Tuesdays and 5 p.m. Thursdays. Tour spots must be reserved in advance through marketing manager Zach Brown at zach@greyhoundvillage.com.
Greyhound Village, which is open to students who will turn 20 years old by Jan. 15, 2017, still has a range of floor plans and leasing options available. More information can be found at greyhoundvillage.com. For further questions on UIndy housing options, contact housing assignments coordinator Mary Craft at (317) 788-3530 or mcraft@uindy.edu.
Aside from fully furnished apartments with private bathrooms and laundry appliances, Greyhound Village will feature a fitness center, a study room, an outdoor lounge and fire pit, sand volleyball courts and a clubhouse and commons area with lounge space and a game room.
