Constructed in 1927 as the Madam C. J. Walker Manufacturing Company. in Indianapolis. The Madam C. J. Walker Building, is now home to the Madam Walker Legacy Center and the last surviving building of the Indiana Avenue entertainment and business hub of Blacks during the 1920s to 1950s Indianapolis. The building received National Historic Landmark status in 1991.
The Madam C. J. Walker Building is home to the Madam Walker Legacy Center and the last surviving building of the Indiana Avenue entertainment and business hub of Black people during the 1920s to 1950s in Indianapolis. The building received National Historic Landmark status in 1991. Credit: Jennifer Wilson for Mirror Indy

If you’ve been wondering what’s next for Indiana Avenue, you may want to attend this upcoming event.

The city is hosting a Nov. 17 open house to answer questions and get feedback on its draft of the Indiana Avenue Strategic Plan, a document that will guide future redevelopment of the historic area.

The draft plan, which is available online, includes a host of recommendations for potential projects along Indiana Avenue.

Some of those recommendations include adding public art and history throughout the neighborhood, expanding the Cultural Trail on Indiana Avenue southeast toward Capitol Avenue and Washington Street and prioritizing retail space for Black-owned businesses along the Avenue.

Open house attendees will have an opportunity to review the drafted strategy, ask questions, speak with the project team, and share feedback on proposed recommendations and next steps.

Mayor Joe Hogsett first announced plans to redevelop Indiana Avenue in 2023.

If you go

The open house will be from 5:30-7 p.m. Nov. 17 at the Indianapolis Urban League, 777 Indiana Ave., Suite 1.

If you’re interested in attending, register in advance using this link.

If you can’t make it, share your feedback on the plan by emailing dmdengagement@indy.gov.

Mirror Indy, a nonprofit newsroom, is funded through grants and donations from individuals, foundations and organizations. Sign up for our free newsletters.

Claire Rafford covers higher education for Mirror Indy in partnership with Open Campus. Contact Claire by email claire.rafford@mirrorindy.org, at 317-759-0249 or on most social media @clairerafford.

Creative Commons License

Republish our articles for free, online or in print, under a Creative Commons license.

Local news delivered straight to your inbox

Mirror Indy's free newsletters are your daily dose of community-focused news stories.

By clicking Sign Up, you’re confirming that you agree with our Terms of Use.

Related Articles