Indianapolis leaders break ground on new affordable housing development
Indianapolis, Indiana – In the heart of the Old Southside neighborhood of Indianapolis, just less than a mile away from the iconic Lucas Oil Stadium, a groundbreaking ceremony was held to mark the start of construction on a new affordable apartment community.
The project, located at 1202 South Meridian Street, is a collaborative effort between local leaders, community members, and BWI, LLC – a construction, development, consulting, and electric firm in Indianapolis that’s spearheading the initiative.
According to Gary Hobbs, the CEO of BWI, LLC, “Many folks who live here, including myself as a developer, think that the Old Southside has been somewhat forgotten over the past decade or so.”
The new affordable apartment community aims to change that perception and serve as a beacon of hope for the area. The project will feature 105 residential units with a mix of studios, one- and two-bedroom units, along with 3,000 square feet of commercial space.
The building will also include a parking garage, a gym, controlled-access entry, and a rooftop terrace. Its prime location near public transportation and future transit hubs make it an attractive option for the workforce population.
As Hobbs explains, “That’s that missing middle. Many of the folks here that are just slightly above the 60% kind of average medium income, but there not able to afford the super luxury rents in town.”
Residents of the Old Southside neighborhood are excited about the project and believe it’s long overdue. Lynn Rogers, a resident and part of the Concord Neighborhood Center, said, “It’s not had a lot of development in terms of homes. We have a ton of Airbnbs, we have some new projects going up, but for the families that work here, live here, they want to have access to something they can afford.”
BWI, LLC is determined to make a positive impact on the community and improve the lives of residents. Hobbs said, “The thing that gets me motivated, excited is when I see people’s lives change.” The $25 million project is set to be completed by September 2024, and it’s sure to be a welcome addition to the Old Southside neighborhood, providing quality housing options for families and contributing to the area’s revitalization efforts.
