Indy I: The Start [Archive] - Page 4

Amazing Indy

Dec 20, 2004, 1:38 PM

Richard Hamilton has a message for city and state officials looking to pay for a new $500 million Colts stadium with gambling revenue: Get ready for a fight.

"This is just another move -- not unexpected -- to turn Downtown Indianapolis into a gambling center," said Hamilton, a retired Methodist minister from Indianapolis and a member of the Indiana Coalition Against Legalized Gambling.

He said the coalition will oppose any attempt to expand gambling in the state.

Mayor Bart Peterson and his aides briefed Gov.-elect Mitch Daniels and state lawmakers on financing details for the new stadium Sunday.

While neither Daniels nor legislators would comment on specifics, some who were briefed said the plan will depend on the legislature and City-County Council approving electronic pull-tab machines for a Marion County off-track betting parlor. Taxes imposed on the slotlike games would repay money borrowed to build the stadium.

The Colts and the National Football League would contribute $100 million. Hoosier businesses also would chip in money. But the bulk of the money would come from gambling.

Sen. Robert Jackman, R-Milroy, has submitted legislation the General Assembly will take up next year that would allow 1,500 slotlike pull-tab machines in Marion County.

Jackman said he has not been contacted by city officials about their plan, and under his proposal, all new money would flow into the state's piggy bank.

Last year, a bill to legalize pull-tab machines failed. That legislation included new tax revenue for Indianapolis and Marion County. Supporters know they cannot pass a bill expanding gambling in Indianapolis without giving the city a share of the money, said Robert Spolyar, a lobbyist for Hoosier Park, a horse racing track in Anderson.

"We know there's going to be money for Indy," Spolyar said. "What the mayor's going to do with it, that's his business."

While pull-tab and slot machines are similar in appearance, there are differences. Slot machines offer a shot, in theory, at winning a jackpot with every play. In Indiana, they are required to pay out at least 80 cents in winnings for every $1 gambled. Electronic pull-tab machines have a set number of prizes of various sizes, and a gambler could play without knowing there are no jackpots left.

State Sen. Glenn Howard, D-Indianapolis, a former councilman, said increased gambling is just one option city officials are looking at to pay for the stadium.

"The money for this isn't going to fall out of the sky," he said. "If people want to play pull-tabs, then let them do it. If we don't get a deal, we lose the Colts."

Marion County GOP Chairman Michael Murphy, an Indiana House lawmaker from Indianapolis who was not briefed on the mayor's plan, said Peterson could have a tough time winning approval for anything resembling a Downtown casino.

"Pull-tabs is a misnomer. These are slot machines," he said. "How much resistance the mayor gets really would depend on where it's located."

Hamilton, a longtime critic of gambling, said the slotlike machines are the most addictive form of gambling.

"Gambling takes advantage of people who, in many cases, cannot afford to take the losses they will suffer," he said.

Expanding gambling may actually offset the economic development benefits of maintaining the image of a major-league city, Hamilton added.

"I'm not sure that is the kind of atmosphere the high-tech companies we want to attract are looking for," Hamilton said. "And I think it is unfortunate to be putting the city's economic well-being at risk by expanding our dependence on gambling."

Starnews.com December 20,2004

Amazing Indy

Dec 20, 2004, 1:40 PM

Going into Sunday night's game against Baltimore, Colts fans offered mixed responses when asked whether Peyton Manning would break the National Football League season record for touchdown passes.

But they were nearly unanimous on another issue: The deal to keep the Colts in Indianapolis for 30 more years is great for fans and the community.

"I think it was a must to keep them," said Mark Price, 41, Indianapolis. "And I never really doubted they would stay here."

Before the game, Price said the team is an asset to the community.

"The Colts are really important for the Downtown to continue to thrive," he said. "I remember what it was like down here before they came to town."

Brent Compton, 34, Terre Haute, said the impact of the team reaches far beyond Central Indiana. Heading to Sunday's game with several other season-ticket holders from the Terre Haute area, Compton said the firm he works for, Pacesetter Sports, is a good example.

"We do a lot of business with the Colts, and we also sell a lot of team merchandise," he said. "When they are winning, it is even better. That just creates more demand."

Brianne Tighe, 24, Terre Haute, added: "Having an NFL team really steps up the quality of Indianapolis. It generates a lot of business and revenue."

The Colts' economic impact also is a factor for several fans who did not attend the game but support the stadium plan.

A major-league team also says a lot about the city, said Kevin Rodgers, 49, Brownsburg.

"We are very concerned about economic development and bringing business back to Indianapolis," said Rodgers, who works at Allison Transmission.

"Having and keeping the Colts reflects we are a first-class city. I really believe something like that can be a deciding factor for companies electing to have a presence here."

Plus, Rodgers said, the team -- especially when it is winning -- is a lot of fun.

David Criswell, 28, Indianapolis, agrees.

"I'm a die-hard Colts fan, and I am happy about it. I think it helps with the national image of the city," said Criswell, a union carpenter.

His line of work is one that is likely to benefit from the construction aspect of the project, Criswell said.

"I'll probably help build the stadium, so I'm happy about that, too."

If he had his preference, Olgen Williams said he would take the money being spent on the project and use it to help poor and minority residents. But, Williams added, he also realizes the Colts are an important component of the Central Indiana economy.

"I'm a fan, even though I've never been to a game," said Williams, executive director of the Christamore House community center on the Westside.

"I believe there is a lot of value in attracting people and businesses. And they do create some jobs," he said.

"As long as they don't raise taxes or take money away from programs that help people who need assistance, I'm fine with it."

But Fredrick McCarthy, of Indianapolis, said he was astonished that the city was even considering a new stadium when it's in such poor financial shape.

"I don't see any reason why it should be subsidized any more than a bowling alley or theater."

Starnews.com December 20, 2004

Amazing Indy

Dec 20, 2004, 1:41 PM

Peyton Manning had not yet thrown a touchdown pass Sunday night. Heck, Manning had not even attempted a pass against the Baltimore Ravens. And yet, already, the Colts and their fans felt like they had won, inspiring another sellout crowd to cheer lustily even before the team was introduced.

An early Merry Christmas to you, Indianapolis.

The Colts are staying for another 30 years and probably forever.

And in 2008, they will begin playing in a state-of-the-art retractable-roof stadium, a building that will not only house the Colts and numerous Final Fours, but eventually bring the Super Bowl to Indianapolis.

A retractable roof was the only way to go for this market, and it will be worth the added expense.

That's the good news, the exciting news.

The bad news?

It's going to cost money.

Mostly our money.

At some point, soon, the hard questions about the proposed $500 million stadium are going to require some answers. Including these two:

� Do we really need a new football stadium?

� How will we pay for it?

In a city that has so many more essential needs, and in a state that is economically depressed by almost any standard, is a new, retractable-roof stadium really necessary for a team that just exceeded 40,000 season tickets this season?

That's the sales job the city has, both with the public and the legislature, and it's the real reason all of this has been tied in with the Indiana Convention Center.

After all, who can deny that we desperately need a bigger Convention Center?

After the city signed the long-term deal to make the NCAA Final Four a staple in this city at least once every five years, who could argue that point?

The necessity of a new stadium, though, is arguable, especially when it comes to the use of public dollars -- even if we're talking about proceeds from gaming.

In the next couple of months, the Colts and the city need to make this sale, not just to lawmakers, but to the public, even though we won't have input in the form of a tax referendum.

People will listen to reason. People will understand that the Colts are not the only business in town using public money for private purposes. What about all the tax breaks and incentives other companies get to do business in Indianapolis?

Anything less will not resonate with the IPS parents whose children go to schools lacking supplies. Or firefighters wondering how their pension is going to be funded.

And don't bog us down in economic arguments, because they simply don't fly in the debate over building a new football stadium.

The only argument a city can make is to point out the intangible benefits that accrue from having an NFL team. Like Sunday night. How does a city measure the impact of a nationally televised ESPN game with Peyton Manning rolling toward a record? How can you put a number on the way this city came together last winter, an entire region clad in blue, united behind the Colts' AFC title game run?

It could not be any more ironic that this announcement should come with the Baltimore football franchise in town. For years, those of us here in Indy have been told by Baltimoreans, "Don't trust an Irsay. Bob Irsay. Jim Irsay. Don't be fooled. The apple doesn't fall far from the tree. Jim will do Indy like Bob did Baltimore."

Here's what they didn't take into account: For one thing, Jim is a good-hearted human being. Sometimes wacky, sometimes, in the past, given to self-destructiveness, but always good-hearted. And it's always been important to him to leave a very different Irsay legacy than the one left by his father.

Jim Irsay will be a hero here, not only as the guy whose hires turned this into a model franchise, but as the owner who was willing to work with the city and get a deal done.

From the beginning, Irsay has played the stadium game in a different way. Usually, the owner puts a gun to the city's head, makes threats both direct and implied and forces an ugly showdown. In this case, it was the opposite; the city, which wanted to expand the Convention Center and accommodate the NCAA, essentially grabbed the gun and put it to Irsay's head.

We're gonna put this deal together, and if you want a piece of this, you'd better play along.

Remember, just a few months ago, Irsay was talking about how a new stadium might not be the answer to his revenue troubles. Even with a team that is preparing for its sixth playoff run in seven seasons, it was only two, three years ago that the Colts had to struggle to sell out the league's smallest stadium.

So what changed his mind?

Maybe we'll get more specifics this morning from the mayor's office.

Bottom line, though, the Colts are staying and Indy is getting a state-of-the-art retractable-roof stadium.

Any other wishes on your Christmas list?

Did somebody say "Super Bowl?"

Starnews.com December 20, 2004

Midwesterner

Dec 20, 2004, 2:23 PM

As for a hotel design, I wouldn't mind seeing something like the John Hancock Tower in Boston or a Westin Peachtree. I don't want another postmodern tower in the skyline. If we were to build a Westin Peachtree style hotel, it would look cool in black or green.

http://skyscraperpicture.com/boston07.jpg

or

http://skyscraperpicture.com/atlanta17.jpg

Amazing Indy

Dec 20, 2004, 3:19 PM

Black or green? Obviously Blue for the Colts.:nuts:

Midwesterner

Dec 20, 2004, 3:30 PM

^ For the Convention Center or a hotel site around the stadium?

Amazing Indy

Dec 20, 2004, 5:01 PM

Hotel:nuts:

Midwesterner

Dec 20, 2004, 7:42 PM

I'm saying that if they were to build a hotel on the RCA Dome site or by the new stadium, that is the design I'd prefer.

Snowbird

Dec 20, 2004, 7:56 PM

I heard that the owners of the National City Center/Hyatt Regency were talking to the city about converting the office space half of the building into an expansion of the Hyatt Regency. Since Simon will be leaving to move into their new headquarters in a couple of years, that would already empty out half of the office space, leaving only National City Bank's Indiana headquarters. And with the volatility of that space - National City's need for less space with many functions consolidating to Cleveland locations, possible acquisition by another bank, etc... The owners of the building would like to expand into a 1,000 room hotel and with their skyway connection to the convention center be a prime candidate for major conventions' headquarters hotel.

IndyBob

Dec 20, 2004, 11:04 PM

The talk about converting the office space in National City Center to hotel has been around since before Simon renewed their last lease. It would make sense. Personally, I would like to see the building imploded and a new hotel built. Although I would miss the Eagle's Nest.

IndyBob

Dec 20, 2004, 11:08 PM

New Simon HQ Renderings (IBJ Dec. 20-26, 2004)

http://www.oongawa.com/temp/simhq.jpg

IndyBob

Dec 21, 2004, 12:56 AM

http://www.oongawa.com/temp/simhq2.jpg

http://www.oongawa.com/temp/simhq3.jpg

http://www.oongawa.com/temp/simhq4.jpg

Go7SD

Dec 21, 2004, 4:02 AM

Go7SD

Dec 21, 2004, 4:03 AM

I prefer this one
http://www.oongawa.com/temp/simhq4.jpg

IndyBob

Dec 21, 2004, 4:28 AM

Unfortunately, I don't think they'll use my design!

Go7SD

Dec 22, 2004, 6:11 AM

Bob, what program did you use to make the buildings taller?

IndyBob

Dec 22, 2004, 1:43 PM

Roy - I use PhotoShop.

http://www.oongawa.com/temp/msa.jpg

Midwesterner

Dec 22, 2004, 1:48 PM

Man that would be great if they built one 48-52 story tower next to two five or six story towers. It would give Market Sqaure a Rockefeller Center look and feel.

Amazing Indy

Dec 22, 2004, 4:27 PM

Roy - I use PhotoShop.

http://www.oongawa.com/temp/msa.jpg

I'm salivating looking at that picture...oh man.

Amazing Indy

Dec 22, 2004, 7:20 PM

Simon Property Group, its new headquarters design criticized even by the company's own architects, has come up with a new look for its proposed landmark building across the street from the Indiana Statehouse.

The building, which now includes a limestone tower element on the north side to complement the limestone Statehouse, will be 14 stories tall instead of 15. The changes will increase the initial $55 million price tag less than 5 percent, a Simon official said.

The new design could be approved by the city next week. After looking at architectural renderings on Tuesday, at least one former critic was converted but others remained disappointed.

"I'm very pleased. I think it's something Indianapolis can be proud of," said Mark Demerly, AIA, president of the local chapter of the American Institute of Architects.

Clarke Kahlo, a former city planner now active in environmental issues, said he remains opposed to the building because it means losing most of the Capitol Commons park now on the site.

"It's a land grab, no matter how it's cloaked," he said.

Demerly was a critic of the building's first design. After he and other local architects sent a letter to the company, Simon executives invited them to discuss how to improve the project.

Simon then hired William Browne Jr. of Ratio Architects of Indianapolis, who replaced the architectural firm Cooper Carry of Atlanta.

By the time Browne started last month, the foundations and steel structure were already bid, meaning that his changes, while a sharp departure from the original concept, are confined mostly to the building's appearance.

The original design was undistinguished and more suitable to a suburban location, Browne said. Demerly agreed, with both saying that the new design fits in better with surrounding buildings.

"Think about the visitor coming to Indianapolis and getting out of the taxi," Browne said. "Their first view of Indianapolis from the Convention Center is going to be this building in the foreground and the cityscape in the background."

The building's south side harmonizes with the glass front of the Indiana Convention Center, Browne said. The north side, near the much older Statehouse, has an art deco look.

Some of Simon's architects disliked the original design, said Debra Johnes-Owens, the company's vice president of corporate operations.

She said the new look would slightly increase the project's cost, but the exact amount had not been determined. The building remains on track to be completed in September 2006.

Simon, the largest owner of shopping malls in North America, employs about 800 people here. In supporting the project, Mayor Bart Peterson said the city's cooperation would keep a major headquarters operation in Downtown Indianapolis.

But Simon has faced criticism since the project was announced in May. Some critics remained unmoved after seeing the new design Tuesday.

"It appears that the building will overshadow the elegant landmark of our state capitol," said Cathy Burton, president of the Marion County Alliance of Neighborhood Associations.

State Rep. Phil Hinkle, R-Indianapolis, said he liked to look out at the park from his office in the Statehouse.

"I am broken-hearted that we've taken away a part of Downtown," he said.

"It's disheartening. But that's one of those things. You have to live with the times, I guess."

Call Star reporter John Strauss at (317) 444-6208

Amazing Indy

Dec 23, 2004, 12:42 AM

Indianapolis Colts owner Jim Irsay said today he is taking a big risk by entering into a deal with the city for a new football stadium.

Indianapolis Mayor Bart Peterson has proposed asking state lawmakers to legalize slot machine-like devices to help finance the stadium, which could open by fall 2008 and cost between $550 million and $700 million to build.

Irsay said the deal does not include guaranteed payments from the city to ensure that the team stays in the NFL's median income level. The team's current lease at the RCA Dome does.

"It had more certainty," Irsay said.

"I'm giving up hundreds of millions of dollars of guarantees and committing $100 million to the project with no guarantees," he added. "There's no question that this is a risk for us and my franchise, but when the day was done I was willing to go forward and I was excited about it."

Among the biggest risks, Irsay said, was committing his own team's money to the deal, which includes a $52 million grant from the NFL, and having to finance the marketing of the stadium, including securing naming rights.

"I would have preferred a deal like Cincinnati, where there was no contribution from the club," Irsay said. "I couldn't get that."

The plan calls for a 63,000-seat stadium with a retractable roof that could be expanded to 70,000 seats to host a Super Bowl.

Irsay sits on the Super Bowl committee and said that "where there is not a guarantee for the Super Bowl, there's a high probability."

Irsay said the new stadium would bolster ticket sales and allow the Colts to "have a chance to be average" in terms of revenue.

"This isn't going to put us at the top, but it gives us a chance to be average," Irsay said. "There's no question I feel the new stadium is a challenge for us and initially that wasn't the direction we were going towards, but I do feel it will be a great benefit for the franchise."

Among the benefits, Irsay said, will be increased revenue to sign players. This year alone, Irsay has lavished huge contracts on quarterback Peyton Manning and receiver Marvin Harrison. Running back Edgerrin James' contract is up at the end of the season.

"Certainly the goal is creating a new stadium and being able to achieve sellouts, it will give us a chance to be an average grossing team in the NFL," Irsay said. "That will certainly be helpful because we've been below average for a long time now. We're looking forward to that."

But Peterson's financing plan still has to be approved by the General Assembly, which may be skeptical of the plan given its heavy reliance on gambling funds.

Peterson said the project as envisioned would need at least $40 million in annual revenue from electronic pull tabs at off-track betting parlors.

If the deal goes through as planned, then it will be up to the Colts to secure naming rights for the stadium, advertising and luxury suite deals.

"It's not going to be an easy task," Irsay said. "It's not just, 'Build it and they will come.' We have to go out and be very aggressive. And we can do it."

Read tomorrow's Indianapolis Star for more details about this story.

Amazing Indy

Dec 23, 2004, 12:47 AM

Kinda curious to hear others opinions on this last article. I find it somewhat humourus. Does he think they city and the mayor arent taking a big risk financing a project this big. I think Mr.Irsay's worries aren't as major as the one the city does. Just curious what everyone else thinks.

Go7SD

Dec 23, 2004, 3:18 AM

"I would have preferred a deal like Cincinnati, where there was no contribution from the club," Irsay said. "I couldn't get that."

aint nothin free my greedy friend :no:

IndianaMike

Dec 23, 2004, 3:27 AM

"I would have preferred a deal like Cincinnati, where there was no contribution from the club," Irsay said. "I couldn't get that."

Of course you would asshole. But I don't think Indy wants to get fucked like Cincinnati did.

Am I the only one who thinks this guy is a prick?

KM1410

Dec 23, 2004, 5:30 PM

Of course you would asshole. But I don't think Indy wants to get fucked like Cincinnati did.

Am I the only one who thinks this guy is a prick?

god forbid he gives an honest answer. would you have rather hear him say "this deal is ok, but i wish i could have paid for it all by myself. I really wish the mayor would let me pay for the IPS renovations too"

If Irsay was really greedy, there would be no way in hell he'd keep the colts in Indy. He would make tens of millions of more dollars a year in LA.

Amazing Indy

Dec 29, 2004, 5:45 PM

If it weren't for Boston or Ron Artest, Indianapolis would be No. 1 in ESPN.com's third annual ranking of sports cities, which was released Tuesday.

Boston grabbed the top spot based on a complicated system that awarded or subtracted points for how major sports teams fared in records, titles and individual All-Star efforts. But Beantown would have taken a back seat if Indy wasn't docked 50 points for Artest and a few of his teammates going into the stands to confront fans in Detroit.

Indianapolis, seventh in 2003, actually had a higher winning percentage, the Colts and Pacers together being .772, best of any of the 33 cities to make the list. Each city had to have at least two major sports franchises. Because Boston has teams in each of the four sports, and the Patriots and Red Sox won championships, it gained enough bonus points to finish with 791, or 24 more than the Hoosier runners-up.

Still, second prompted a hearty cheer from U.S. Sen. Richard Lugar, a Republican from Indianapolis, who as the city's mayor from 1968-75 was credited with moving the Pacers Downtown.

"I'm tremendously excited about it and I applaud my successors," Lugar said in a phone interview. "I'm excited whenever the city is recognized. It's well-deserved, and nostalgically, in my mind's eye, I can see the history of how the city has unfolded."

Lugar, 72, said he also tried to bring an NHL team to town.

"But the NHL quashed the idea," he said.

An avid sports fan, the senator recalls Downtown coming to life with the opening in 1974 of Market Square Arena, the Pacers' former home.

"That was emblematic of the (sports) emphasis that had come to Indianapolis," he said.

The ESPN ranking had San Diego third, up from last place a year ago. Philadelphia was fourth. A created city New Jersey, which includes the NBA's Nets and NHL's Devils but not the New York Jets or Giants, was fifth. Detroit, Minneapolis, St. Louis, Dallas and Pittsburgh rounded out the top 10.

Midwesterner

Dec 31, 2004, 4:14 PM

(Indianapolis - December 31, 2004) - Smoke is billowing out of the downtown Indianapolis area this morning.

The fire department says an underground transformer blew up in the area of 222 East Ohio Street near Alabama.

Many people were in the downtown area when the manhole cover blew about 10:15 a.m. this morning. So far, no injuries have been reported.

Firefighters are having difficulty trying to reach the fire because of the heavy smoke.

24 Hour News 8 will bring you the latest on this breaking news story throughout the day. Click here for a downtown view from the WISH-TV tower cam.

Go7SD

Jan 1, 2005, 5:43 AM

yeah, I saw it as I drove passed it earlier this morning. Good to see no one got hurt.

Amazing Indy

Jan 1, 2005, 5:55 PM

Here's a quick look at some of the top issues expected to make news in metro Indianapolis and the state:

A new stadium

Whether you're a football fan or not, this might top every other 2005 issue. The stadium/Convention Center plan includes plenty of potentially hot buttons. There's the cost, of course: roughly $600 million at a time when most governments are struggling to balance their books. But state lawmakers might be sweating because Indianapolis Mayor Bart Peterson is proposing to cover much of the price tag with tax proceeds from a Downtown pull-tab establishment -- inevitably leading to a major debate on gambling at the legislature this session. There's no ducking this one. If something doesn't happen, the city could lose the Colts.

A new governor

After swapping his lightning-rod job in the Bush administration for a 16-month campaign tour of Indiana, "The Blade," aka Mitch Daniels, will move into the governor's office. Daniels' first impression after the election is right from the winning-challenger playbook: Things are even worse than he thought before Election Day. Now it's time to stand and deliver, confronting a state budget in a hole deep enough to swallow his beloved campaign RV. We'll see if Daniels is as smooth at bringing the legislature along as he was yukking it up during the campaign at Emma Lou's Cafe in Princeton. He knows a thing or two about budgets, having served as the president's budget director.

New leadership

Look for Black Expo to find a successor to its longtime president, the late Rev. Charles Williams. Can anyone match Williams' network of social, political, business and entertainment contacts? The Expo board extended its nationwide search into December to find just the right honcho. Williams is credited with building the summer Expo into a national event. In the meantime, Arvis Dawson, an Elkhart teacher and City Council member, has been named chairman of the board.

Airport takes off

Indy's billion-dollar baby celebrated a big milestone in late December -- a nice ribbon-cutting ceremony for the rerouted I-70. Travelers now have a new entrance to the $974 million midfield terminal -- whenever the terminal opens. We should know more this year about when that might be. The airlines are paying for most of this project, and half the airport's current gates are occupied by airlines either in bankruptcy or facing serious economic problems. Those companies already got a one-year delay in the construction. Will they need even more time to gain altitude?

Public library

Cracks in a $100 million construction project, a state audit showing thousands of dollars misspent, a property tax increase in the midst of a county budget crisis -- can the news from the Indianapolis-Marion County Public Library get any worse? After last year's fiascos, 2005 has to be better. Right?

I-69 extension

Gov.-elect Daniels supports extending I-69 from Indianapolis to Evansville but says the state doesn't have any way to pay for its share right now. "Let's be honest about something: There is no money around here to pay for this," he has said. The $1.8 billion project is likely to continue generating protests from critics, who say it's a fiscal and environmental boondoggle.

John Strauss

Amazing Indy

Jan 1, 2005, 5:57 PM

Indiana's future is looking brighter in 2005.

Not so bright that you need to wear shades. But there's a glimmer of hope that job prospects will improve, new restaurants will move in, and Downtown housing will continue to grow.

Here are 10 business and economic developments to keep an eye out for in the coming year. Tread carefully, and watch for rising interest rates.

Pigging out

Eating out in Indiana will be big in 2005, with the state's restaurants expected to post sales of $7.2 billion, a 4.4 percent increase, according to the National Restaurant Association.

Nearly 1 million restaurants will open in the United States in 2005. Watch for a few new names in Indianapolis like Red Star Tavern and Obuelos, a high-end Mexican chain, experts say.

In 2004, the area welcomed newcomers Chipotle, Ted's Montana Grill and Mitchell's Fish Market.

Help wanted

Economists expect modest increases in Indiana employment in 2005.

The number of employed Hoosiers likely will increase by 1.2 percent to 1.5 percent, state university economists say.

Health care will continue adding jobs, and manufacturing hiring -- in the doldrums for four years -- could see a slight increase as factories build depleted inventories in warehouses.

Partial refill

New life for the former United Airlines maintenance base at Indianapolis International Airport will come this month as Illinois-based AAR Corp. begins maintenance work there, initially employing 200.

That's a tiny number compared with the 1,200 laid off when a bankruptcy-embroiled United closed the base in 2003.

But AAR is negotiating four airline maintenance contracts. If it wins them all, it would require a work force of 600, said Mark McDonald, AAR's group vice president. AAR has predicted its Indianapolis employment could go as high as 800 by 2009.

Another firm, Indianapolis Diversified Machining Inc., started by former United employees, intends to hire 50 workers at the base to repair parts for AAR.

Rising rates

After a year in which Federal Reserve policymakers boosted short-term interest rates five times, consumers can likely expect yet another increase in the early part of 2005.

The Fed meets in early February, and economists are predicting another hike as policymakers continue to be encouraged by a rebounding economy.

Last month, the interest rate was raised one-quarter percentage point to 2.25 percent.

Quick, buy a car. A house. Something before the rates go up.

Conseco's big fish

Conseco Inc.'s high-profile litigation against a group of its former directors and officers will get even bigger in January.

A civil trial against former chief financial officer Rollin M. Dick begins Jan. 18 in Boone County Circuit Court.

Dick owes the insurance company more than $30 million, Conseco attorneys say, in unpaid interest on loans used to buy Conseco stock.

The suit against Dick is similar to eight others Conseco has against its former brass but is the first to go to trial.

Without granting a trial, a Hamilton County judge ordered Conseco's co-founder and former chief executive officer Stephen C. Hilbert to pay $72 million. The judge has stayed her ruling while Hilbert appeals it.

Big city livin'

The packed pipeline of Downtown housing will continue to pour forth new projects in 2005. Seven major condominium and apartment projects will bring more than 220 new living units to Downtown.

That's on top of roughly 190 new units opened in 2004, according to reports from Indianapolis Downtown Inc.

A massive condominium development on the former site of Market Square Arena is scheduled to drop an additional 417 high-priced units on the Downtown market by 2007.

But slow sales prompted the developers to request more time to sell the 100 units required by the city before it can break ground.

More Marsh

Marsh Supermarkets will open at least four Indianapolis-area stores in 2005, but don't expect them all to carry the Marsh name.

Just one -- on U.S. 36 in Pendleton -- will be a typical Marsh.

After that store's opening, expected by February, Marsh will unveil two Arthur's Fresh Markets, one on U.S. 52 in New Palestine and the other on the site of the former Atlas Supermarket on North College Avenue.

The store, focused on fresh produce and gourmet foods, targets markets that haven't been penetrated by big-box competitors.

In the second half of 2005, Marsh will open one of its larger lifestyle stores in Indianapolis, at a yet-to-be disclosed location.

Lilly's mixed bag

The hiring freeze at Central Indiana's largest private employer is expected to remain in effect until the end of the year. But Eli Lilly and Co. is predicting its profits will jump 8 percent to 12 percent over 2004.

This year, Lilly expects to win approval to sell a diabetes drug and a pill for stress urinary incontinence for women.

It also will have nine compounds in the middle to late stages of development in 2005, including ones that will treat osteoporosis, Alzheimer's disease and the pain disorder of fibromyalgia, plus another for diabetes.

New hospital

Carmel's newest hospital will open its doors this year, but it will be much larger than originally expected.

Clarian North Medical Center, a $254 million project at the northwest corner of 116th and Meridian streets, will be completed by November. Originally expected to have about 125 beds, the hospital is being built with at least 170 and room for growth.

A $47 million cancer treatment center attached to the hospital was announced after construction began.

Guidant guidance

Medical device maker Guidant, one of Indiana's six Fortune 500 companies, will be gobbled up by Johnson & Johnson, if shareholders and federal regulators approve the $25 billion deal announced last month.

The big question is whether any portion of Guidant's corporate headquarters in the Bank One tower or its 170 Downtown employees will remain.

An integration team working out the details of the merger will decide.

Midwesterner

Jan 3, 2005, 12:01 AM

Simon Renderings

http://tinypic.com/15k8k3
http://tinypic.com/15k8xi
http://tinypic.com/15k8y8
http://tinypic.com/15k8yp

KM1410

Jan 3, 2005, 12:42 AM

Simon Renderings

im really glad they changed the design. where did you find those renderings?

Midwesterner

Jan 3, 2005, 1:59 AM

Skyscrapers.com

Go7SD

Jan 3, 2005, 6:15 AM

Sure, anything beats the original design. Simon is now underconstruction.
http://skyscraperpage.com/gallery/data/500/2815img_4101.jpg

Down the street

As Conrad climbs higher you'll begin to notice how it contributes to a more dense canyon effect along Washington and Illinois streets. Imagine the crowds roaming this block once it opens.

Wahington Street corridor
http://skyscraperpage.com/gallery/data/500/2815img_4087.jpg
Illinois Street corridor
http://skyscraperpage.com/gallery/data/500/2815img_4094.jpg
The Arts Garden connection
http://skyscraperpage.com/gallery/data/500/2815img_4085.jpg
View of the tower crane from the top of the observation deck at the City-County Bldg. You can't see the site (building) directly from this point due to the density that surrounds it.
http://skyscraperpage.com/gallery/data/500/2815img_4121.jpg

Amazing Indy

Jan 3, 2005, 6:34 PM

I couldn't agree with you more Roy...Conrad adds to a denser and more canyon like scene. I was downtown recentley and it kind of has a NYC feel with buildings side to side on both sides. I love it.

Midwesterner

Jan 5, 2005, 12:42 AM

Commentary
WILLIAMS: Simon redesign is something to celebrate
By Susan Williams

What do you think of the redesign of the Simon Property Group headquarters?
JOIN DISCUSSION

What a nice way to start 2005, with a new, improved design of the Simon headquarters. At the start of a new year, it seems appropriate to reflect. The chain of events that led to the redesign of this important building marks a turning point in the "coming of age" of our city and its approach to the built environment.

Urban design and design criteria for our downtown have been topics of discussion for decades. Yet there was never the political will to move that discussion forward in a meaningful way. We traveled to New York and Chicago and other great cities, marveled at the palette of remarkable architecture and wondered why we didn't attract that level of design in Indianapolis. Yet at home, such discussion was generally unwelcome.

Until recently, we were so eager for downtown development that the city fathers were fearful design discussions would scare off development. So we accepted most anything that came down the pike. Few dared voice critical opinion of the original atrocious design of Circle Centre mall. Fortunately, the historic preservation guidelines that drove certain funding components gave the preservation community the leverage (decried at the time) that ultimately affected the mall design. The improvement was remarkable.

Most recently, city and civic leaders were understandably eager to keep the Simon headquarters downtown. In this instance, however, there was open dialogue about the design. What has changed? Legitimate constructive criticism appeared in print. Both IBJ and The Indianapolis Star examined urban-design issues. The community dialogue led to the willingness of the developer to rethink what was being dropped onto the corner of Washington Street and Capitol Avenue.

The willingness of the print media to "host" the discussion about design elevates awareness about design and allows the community to set new standards. I suspect it wasn't particularly gratifying for the Simon leadership to read expressions of disappointment in what was proposed. Having the design of their corporate headquarters described as "bland," "mediocre," "inappropriately suburban" or "not reflective of their strong corporate image" obviously got the attention of the right individuals.

In what must have been a Herculean effort, they redesigned the plane while in flight, so to speak. The project was far enough along that the original footprint needed to remain, but what a wonderful new "skin" was conceived for this structure. The corner will be properly addressed and pay appropriate tribute to our "Main Street" (Washington Street) and our beautiful state Capitol; the plaza and park space will be welcoming and vibrant. Visitors viewing the building from the convention center will see a structure that evokes the feel of an important corporate headquarters.

Once again, the talent to deliver the design of this project resides here at home. The work of the out-of-state architect was set aside. It continues to amaze me that developers, businesses and universities still think they have to go out of state to find an architect. Look around--the Eiteljorg Museum of American Indians and Western Art, the Indiana State Museum, the Indianapolis Museum of Art, the Urban League headquarters, Emmis Communications Corp. headquarters, the wonderful new neighborhood libraries and now the Simon headquarters, all designed by local architects.

Congratulations to the Simon organization for listening and responding. We look forward to celebrating the opening of your fine new downtown headquarters. And congratulations to IBJ and the Star for creating a forum where design criticism has been transformed from perceived "obstructionism" to constructive community dialogue. We have just witnessed stunning evidence of what that means to our community.

Happy new year!

Williams is the former executive director of the State Office Building Commission and a former longtime member of the City-County Council. Her column appears monthly. To comment on this column, go to IBJ Forum at www.ibj.com or send e-mail to swilliams@ibj.com.

Go7SD

Jan 6, 2005, 8:52 AM

Competing stadium bill introduced
Lawmakers start drawing lines that foreshadow a long debate on how to pay for a new Colts home.

By Matthew Tully
matthew.tully@indystar.com
January 6, 2005

Mayor Bart Peterson warned Wednesday that shortchanging his stadium proposal would kill it, while another financing plan pushed debate on a new Downtown sports venue to center stage at the Statehouse.

Peterson said the city must have $46 million annually for 30 years to pay off bonds that would finance the stadium project. The retractable-roofed stadium would become the new home of the Indianapolis Colts.

"We've tried to level with the legislators in saying this is what we need," the mayor said at a City Hall news conference. "We don't need a penny more. But we can't live with a penny less."

At the Statehouse, lawmakers were still settling into their routines after Tuesday's opening day. But already, lines are being drawn, and it seems increasingly likely that the stadium debate, like so many legislative scuffles in the past, will stretch until the session's waning hours in April.

For the mayor and other stadium advocates, the good news is there will be a debate. On the other hand, the issue is now largely out of the mayor's hands.

Two area House Republicans have unveiled competing stadium financing packages that would generate millions through the installation of 2,500 slot machines at each of the state's two horse tracks. The proposals suggest there is support for the stadium but little desire among majority Republicans for a casino in Downtown Indianapolis.

"That would change the character of our Downtown," said Rep. Michael Murphy, R-Indianapolis.

Murphy is the second lawmaker to offer a slots plan since legislators returned to Indianapolis for the 2005 session. During an interview on a Statehouse elevator Wednesday, Murphy stressed the differences between his plan and the one previously unveiled by fellow Republican Rep. Luke Messer, of Shelbyville.

Both would put slot machines at Hoosier Park in Anderson and Indiana Downs in Shelbyville, and spend 12 percent to 13 percent of the receipts on the state's horse racing industry.

But Murphy's bill would guarantee Indianapolis $48 million annually, enough to pay off the bonds and cover a $48 million payment to terminate the Colts' current RCA Dome lease.

Murphy said the remaining money -- estimated at more than $120 million a year -- would go to the Indiana Economic Development Corp. for local projects and job-building efforts. He called it an "economic development bill that happens to include gambling."

Messer's bill would target $30 million to Indianapolis. His measure also would set aside 7 percent of gross revenues for the tracks' home counties. Up to $100 million annually would go into the state's cash-strapped general fund.

The mayor praised Messer for entering the debate but said, "$30 million won't get it done. . . . It might as well be zero."

Messer said his bill was just starting a debate that would last for months. But "in the current budget climate, $46 million is a very hard number to get to."

Comments from other lawmakers underscored the treachery of navigating the Statehouse. Peterson, a Democrat, is counting on support from Republicans who control the House and the Senate and, starting next week, the governor's office.

Gov.-elect Mitch Daniels could not be reached for comment but has expressed support for a new stadium and concern about expanding gambling.

Legislators from outside Central Indiana, meanwhile, are eager to ensure their regions benefit along with the Indianapolis area. They promised to take a skeptical look at any Colts funding plan.

"The question is: Does this sell statewide?" Rep. Ralph Ayres, a Republican from Chesterton in the state's northwest corner, said with a smile. "And I don't know the answer to that."

"Is there a plan to help other parts of the state as well?" asked Sen. Sue Landske, R-Cedar Lake, also from that same area.

For now, the question seems to be how a new Colts stadium should be funded, not whether one should be built.

The debate is popping up two weeks after the mayor proposed building a $500 million stadium with gambling revenues.

Murphy and Messer, the lawmakers with slot machine bills, have adopted the basic framework of Peterson's proposal, while veering on the details.

Both said they were focusing on slot machines and not similar devices known as pull-tab machines, which Peterson had suggested. Both lawmakers said slot machines, which are now on Indiana's riverboat casinos, produce more revenue. Moreover, Hoosiers might be fooled into thinking pull-tabs are a less serious form of gambling.

Supporters say the slot machines would boost the state's sagging horse racing industry. The bills would end the annual state subsidy to the industry but allow it to raise millions from new gamblers.

Michael Brown, a spokesman for the Indiana horse racing industry, said the business understood the $27 million annual subsidy needs to go away at some point. Slots, he said, would allow the tracks to compete more effectively and protect the thousands of jobs related to them.

"This would allow the industry -- to use a hackneyed phrase -- to stand on its own four feet," Brown said.

If either plan were passed, the number of slot machines in Indiana would jump to 23,000 from about 18,000, an increase of nearly 28 percent.

Peterson said he didn't have a problem with the change. He also didn't take a position on where the slot machines should be based, though the city has considered putting them in a facility Downtown.

The two lawmakers who have introduced bills said that would be a problem.

Murphy is worried about hurting Indianapolis' thriving Downtown, while Messer said he has sensed substantial opposition from lawmakers.

Messer said putting the slot machines at the tracks also would underscore the metro-area benefit the Colts provide.

"This is a regional problem that needs a regional solution," he said.

Call Star reporter Matthew Tully at (317) 444-6033.

KM1410

Jan 8, 2005, 10:09 PM

Downtown dining changes flavors
New year brings eatery moves, winner in chocolate war

A victor has emerged from the Monument Circle chocolate war, and the spoils go to the Indiana-based warrior.

Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory closed its store at 28 Monument Circle Dec. 31, leaving South Bend Chocolate Co.'s Chocolate Cafe next door as the Circle's sole sweets source.

The franchise's closing is one of several changes afoot in the downtown restaurant scene. Coming attractions include an Oregon-based seafood chain and the return of local favorite Eh! Formaggio, which is shopping for a new downtown location while it cooks up a dual-restaurant concept in Carmel.

On the downside, El Sol de Tala's Union Station restaurant has filed to reorganize under Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection after a rough two-year start downtown, and storefront space in Circle Centre remains shuttered after Tarkington's abrupt closure in late March.

Rocky Mountain's closure appeared to happen suddenly, but changes in the Guaranty Building have actually been in the works for months, said Dave Buchanan of locally based Mansur Real Estate Services.

In this case, it appears the victor truly may receive the spoils. South Bend Chocolate Co. is rumored to be planning to fill the former Rocky Mountain for an expansion to serve sandwiches, soups and salads. South Bend leases 3,000 square feet in the building for its Chocolate Cafe, while Rocky Mountain's space was just under 1,000 square feet.

Buchanan wouldn't confirm South Bend's plans, but said an existing tenant would likely take over the space. Other retail tenants in the building include Hardwick's Pipe & Tobacco, Roly Poly Sandwiches, Windsor Jewelers and Nicky Blaine's martini and cigar bar, which occupies 9,100 square feet in the basement.

Rocky Mountain, which opened in 1989, was owned and operated by local franchisee Mark Berry. Berry did not return calls seeking comment. South Bend district manager Ray Peck said he was surprised by his neighbor's departure and isn't sure if his cafe will take over the space.

Berry's relations with building owner Guaranty Holdings Corp. became strained when South Bend opened in 2001, although Berry said Rocky Mountain's sales began to steadily increase again after he made improvements to the store.

Rocky Mountain had been on a month-to-month lease.

Fresh catch for the Hilton

Portland, Ore.-based McCormick & Schmick's Seafood Restaurants recently signed a lease for 7,500 square feet on the first floor of the Hilton Indianapolis at Illinois and Market streets. The company, which owns 52 seafood restaurants in 22 states, plans to open the 275-seat restaurant, 50-seat bar and outdoor dining in mid-summer, said Gregg LeBlanc, director of marketing for the company.

McCormick & Schmick's focuses on fresh seafood and changes its menu daily according to what's available, LeBlanc said. The company aims to provide the same freshness and quality as restaurants such as Ruth's Chris or Oceanaire, albeit in a more casual atmosphere and at generally lower prices, he said.

Lunch entrees range from $6 to $9, while dinner entrees cost $13 to $19, he said.

"Indianapolis is one of the major metropolitan areas we haven't established ourselves in," LeBlanc said. "We saw an opportunity to complement what was already there."

Wherefore Formaggio?

The sudden closing of pizza-and-Italian-deli restaurant Eh! Formaggio at 30 E. Georgia St. last fall sent regulars into a tizzy over where to find lemon and chicken soup, thick slices of pizza pie, and homemade cannoli.

Owner Dan Frost knows because some of them have "literally chased after me" wanting to know what happened, he said.

Frost is still searching for another downtown location for Eh! Formaggio, which was open two years. He and the landlord at 30 E. Georgia, Bloomington-based First Capital Investment Group Inc., parted ways after an unspecified dispute. Frost said he's looking at several sites, which he declined to identify, but added he's working "every day" to reopen downtown.

In the meantime, Frost, a New York native and Culinary Institute of America graduate, has been working on a new concept in Carmel. In early March, he plans to open an Eh! Formaggio and a La Trattoria Regioni, an upscale Italian restaurant, side-by-side at Cool Creek Commons on 146th Street. The Eh! Formaggio menu and atmosphere will be nearly identical to the downtown location, but the 1,500-square-foot restaurant will be nearly twice the size of the former one and will serve beer and wine.

La Trattoria Regioni, at 3,500 square feet, will serve authentic Italian regional cuisine, Frost said. Frost also plans to offer cooking classes in a private dining area in the restaurant on weekends.

The dual-eatery concept is one Frost hopes to expand in 2005 to Avon and other parts of central Indiana. He said he'd like to open such a concept downtown, but may stick to an Eh! Formaggio if only a smaller space is available.

Dark days for El Sol

Local restaurateur Javier Amezcua's downtown El Sol de Tala Mexican restaurant filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection Dec. 21 after mounting tax bills forced it to reorganize.

The restaurant on the first floor of Union Station lost $184,000 in its first year open and nearly broke even last year, Amezcua said. The rough start left Tala Inc., the entity that owns the downtown location, unable to pay its bills.

The El Sol de Tala on East Washington Street and El Sol de Tala Express on West 10th Street aren't included in the bankruptcy filing.

"I thought since I'd been in business 25 years, it was going to be a piece of cake," Amezcua said of the downtown store.

Despite the bankruptcy filing, Amezcua said he remains optimistic about the downtown restaurant's future.

Among debts listed on Tala Inc.'s bankruptcy petition are $40,000 owed to locally based Mezzetta Construction Inc., the contractor on the Union Station buildout; $50,000 owed to the Indiana Department of Revenue for sales and withholding taxes; and $50,000 owed to the Internal Revenue Service.

Not listed is the city of Indianapolis, which owns Union Station. City spokesman Justin Ohlemiller said the restaurant owes nearly $39,000 in back rent. El Sol's lease calls for rent of $4,000 per month. The city and the restaurant are in discussions about payment options, Ohlemiller said.

Lights still dark at Tarkington's

Food posters and a fading "Spring-cleaning sale" sign still decorate the windows at Tarkington's, even though the Circle Centre market and cafe closed in late March.

The deli cases are empty, but bottles of wine from around the world age on the shelves while wine buckets and exotic teas and spices sit collecting dust on display cases.

Owners Ed and Bianca Chambers closed the doors of their market and cafe last spring. They planned to reopen, but are now fully retired, Bianca said.

She declined to go into specifics about why the cafe's inventory remains, only saying that Simon Property Group Inc., the mall's manager, now owns it. The couple's desire to retire played a large part in the decision to close for good, she said.

A replacement tenant has not been signed for the space on the first floor of the mall along Illinois Street, said Simon spokeswoman Billie Scott. She also said she doesn't know when the store's inventory and fixtures will be removed and declined to comment on whether the Chambers left owing rent.

Downtown still a draw

Despite ups and downs in the market, local restaurant experts say they expect 2005 to bring more new restaurants--many of them chains--downtown.

"Interest in 2005 will remain as strong as it has been," said Steve Delaney, a restaurant specialist with Carmel-based Linder Co. "Overall, the market is doing very well and success tends to draw new restaurants."

Delaney and Brian Epstein, principal of locally based Urban Space Commercial Properties, both said spaces to accommodate new restaurants are getting harder to find downtown.

Even so, a trend of locally owned restaurants closing downtown and chains coming in is likely to continue, they said.

"The 'Ma and Pas' are having a hard time competing against chains," Epstein said. "Chains can afford to pay more rent, they have the marketing dollars and the infrastructure ... and the capacity to withstand a couple of bad months."

http://www.ibj.com/html/story011004.html

KM1410

Jan 8, 2005, 10:13 PM

great pics roy. i love how dense the conrad makes illinois and washington streets look

Midwesterner

Jan 9, 2005, 5:24 AM

God not again, at least it didn't happen tomarrow

Underground Blast Rocks Downtown Indianapolis
3 Injured In Explosion Near Bookland

POSTED: 9:19 pm EST January 8, 2005
UPDATED: 9:31 pm EST January 8, 2005

INDIANAPOLIS -- An underground explosion just east of the Indiana Statehouse injured three people Saturday and forced authorities to evacuate dozens of residents from a downtown condominium.

The blast shortly before noon was similar to one that cut power Wednesday to about 400 downtown businesses and homes, including the federal courthouse. Indianapolis Power & Light Co. and fire officials said both explosions likely were caused by heavy rains and later freezing and thawing that triggered a series of short circuits in underground utility lines.

Saturday's blast buckled a bookstore's 3-inch concrete floor into jagged 4-foot mounds and blew a steel door at the rear of the business off its hinges. Two workers and a customer were injured when the explosion shook Bookland at 11:45 a.m.

Tony Bayt had just opened the front door of the store when he was blown off his feet.

"I was flying through the air," he said while medics checked injuries to his ear, shoulder and leg before putting him into an ambulance.

Two store employees also were taken to the hospital to be checked, although they had no visible injuries.

The building also houses the Indiana Public Employee Retirement Fund.

Residents of upstairs condominiums in the nearby Block Building were evacuated after the blasts.

Bookland co-owner Concetta DeFabis said she had complained twice in recent weeks after smelling sewer gas in the building, but an inspection found nothing. Another co-owner, Maryann Hawkins, said she had smelled sewer gas Saturday morning before the blast.

IPL crews already were at the scene before the blast investigating a report of smoke coming from a manhole, said utility spokeswoman Crystal Livers-Powers. The explosion occurred about the time firefighters arrived for the manhole fire.

Livers-Powers said the blast knocked out power in the immediate area, but she was not certain of the extent.

Go7SD

Jan 9, 2005, 6:22 AM

^ shit I was near that place last night

great pics roy. i love how dense the conrad makes illinois and washington streets look

Thanks KM, as the tower gets higher I'm beginning to feel a bit more clausterphobic. Only 18 floors to go ;)

IndianaMike

Jan 9, 2005, 6:37 AM

What's with the explosions and booms lately?

bigcubfan

Jan 9, 2005, 8:24 AM

Sunday there will be plenty of large scale attacks in downtown Indy. Don't worry, it'll just be Manning gunning down the Broncos.....GO COLTS:D
Fighting Irish---we've got to get Notre Dame going again. 11 National Championships isn't nearly enough.

IndianaMike

Jan 9, 2005, 10:57 PM

IndianaMike

Jan 9, 2005, 11:10 PM

ATA beefs up its service in Indiana
Flights to Evansville, South Bend and Fort Wayne begin Tuesday

By Ted Evanoff
ted.evanoff@indystar.com
January 9, 2005

Over the years, LeRoy Troyer's Mishawaka architecture firm has designed buildings in Colorado, Pennsylvania and Virginia, but rarely has the northern Indiana firm looked for business in southern Indiana.

"We could serve clients easier in Denver than in Evansville," said the head of the 70-employee Troyer Group, lamenting a six-hour drive to Evansville that lasts as long and is more tiresome than taking a South Bend commuter plane to Chicago, then jetting to Colorado.

Indiana's lengthy north-south trek, a nagging economic concern for years among community leaders in this long and narrow state, will shorten starting Tuesday.

As part of its rapid expansion at Indianapolis International Airport, ATA Airlines will fly four in-state routes, offering the first nonstop service to Indianapolis from midsize Indiana cities since the mid-1990s.

On Tuesday, a fleet of ATA's Saab 340 twin-engine turboprops will leave Indianapolis for Evansville, Fort Wayne and South Bend. Service to Gary begins Feb. 1. A one-way seat will cost $49 under a sale on the initial flights.

By next month, return flights on the 34-seat turboprops will be timed so travelers reaching Indianapolis International can conveniently get on turboprops bound for other Indiana cities or board ATA's big jets.

"It's the answer to our prayers," said John Schalliol, South Bend Regional Airport manager, referring to the prospect of swapping the 2.5-hour Indianapolis drive for a 35-minute air commute.

Indianapolis-based ATA's dramatic bankruptcy has overshadowed its hometown expansion. Although it will keep only about 36 of its 61 Boeing 737 and Boeing 757 jet airliners, ATA's Chicago Midway operation will take the bulk of the service cutbacks.

While Midway flights to Charlotte and Miami already have been canceled, ATA is doubling the volume of flights out of Indianapolis, including in-state turboprops and long-haul jets. The jets fly regularly to Honolulu, Las Vegas, Los Angeles, New York, Orlando and more than 10 other cities. A flight on the Dallas route will be added Feb. 4.

Not since USAirways closed its Indianapolis hub a decade ago has Indiana had regular in-state air service. That has troubled Hoosier community leaders distant from Indianapolis. They contend Indiana's metro areas in the far reaches of the state are often out of touch with the prosperous central counties.

"Indiana lacks a focus, a unifying vision or voice bringing people together to think about the state as a whole. People in the northwest think of the welfare of Chicago, and people in the southeast think of Louisville, rather than the entire state of Indiana," said Scott Massey, executive director of the Indiana Humanities Council, an organization in Indianapolis that in 2003 sponsored a conference on rebuilding the state's economy.

What turned ATA's focus to in-state service was the combination of subsidies promised by Evansville, Fort Wayne and South Bend, and a public bailout loan.

Unable to find crucial loans at favorable terms as it entered bankruptcy in October, ATA borrowed $15.5 million from the state of Indiana and city of Indianapolis on the condition it offer air service in the state.

Since then, ATA has stabilized financially. Even though the loan was repaid last month, airline executives say they remain committed to the Indiana expansion. "We are very grateful to the city and the state," said Gilbert Viets, ATA chief restructuring officer. "The loan made all the difference for us."

In keeping the promise, ATA is redeploying about eight of its 17 turboprops to Indianapolis from Chicago. The remaining nine will be shed as it shrinks Chicago service.

"In Indianapolis we have added capacity significantly in the last three or four months, and there's more coming through Chicago Express," said John Happ, ATA senior vice president for marketing and sales.

Chicago Express is the Saab-operating commuter line. ATA bought it in 1999 to feed passengers to its Chicago Midway hub from medium-sized Midwestern cities. Last month's $117 million sale of six Midway gates to Southwest Airlines put ATA in position to cut Midway routes rendered unprofitable by fare wars, high fuel bills and hefty lease payments on new Boeings.

By Friday, ATA will operate 46 daily departures from Indianapolis, and 66 by Feb. 4 consisting of 25 jets and 31 turboprops, said ATA investor relations specialist Roxanne Butler.

A still-evolving plan for the Indianapolis operation calls for daily turboprop service of seven flights to Midway; five to Gary; four to South Bend; four to Fort Wayne; possibly four to Flint, Mich.; three to Evansville with the fourth launching Feb. 4; and three to Milwaukee.

It's possible today to reach Evansville by air from South Bend. Delta Airlines' Comair commuter line, for example, flies the route with a plane change at Cincinnati. But anyone buying a ticket for next-day travel, a frequent occurrence in business, can pay a steep price.

A travel Web site this week listed a $570 price for Comair on a round-trip taking almost three hours one-way. ATA's price Friday for a Tuesday round-trip ticket was $242 on the new service through Indianapolis, though the wait for the connecting flight was more than four hours this month.

By Feb. 4, when an additional Evansville flight is launched, the wait in Indianapolis will be about 65 minutes, making the entire travel time about two hours and 35 minutes. Delta by then also will sell low-fare round-trip tickets.

Troyer, the Mishawaka architect, was set to drive to Indianapolis for business on Wednesday -- until he discovered the new $49 South-to-Indianapolis air service starts Tuesday.

"You're kidding," Troyer said. "I have to buy a ticket."

bigcubfan

Jan 9, 2005, 11:26 PM

^ It's gonna be a while, I just don't think Charlie Weiss is the answer to our problems. But apparently a lot of people do think he's the answer.

And how about them Colts! :D I didn't expect any less from them.

The best guarantee that the new stadium will be built is a Colts super bowl appearence.....or, dare I say, a win.

:yes: Yeah I don't know if Weiss is the answer either. We'll just have to wait and see on that one. Ironically, the Colts will be competing against Weiss' team Sunday. We'll just have to hope 'ol Charley loses his last NFL game.

KM1410

Jan 10, 2005, 4:34 AM

The best guarantee that the new stadium will be built is a Colts super bowl appearence.....or, dare I say, a win.

a new stadium is guaranteed regardless.

Go7SD

Jan 10, 2005, 7:33 AM

ok, who wants to play slots?
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v210/roymcdowell/JL002380.jpg

IndianaMike

Jan 10, 2005, 10:13 PM

^ Apparently 52% of people in Indiana

Special Report
Poll: 52% back plan for stadium
Loath to expand gambling, Hoosiers like tax option less

By Matthew Tully
matthew.tully@indystar.com
January 9, 2005

A majority of Hoosiers like a proposal to finance a new Downtown stadium with revenue from additional slot machines in Indiana, according to an Indianapolis Star-WTHR (Channel 13) poll.

Fifty-two percent of poll respondents said they support Mayor Bart Peterson's plan to build a new home for the Indianapolis Colts and other major events, while 42 percent are opposed and 6 percent are not sure.

The statewide poll finds that even many who are hesitant to expand gambling are willing to tolerate more slot machines if the money is used for a stadium -- especially if the alternative is an increase in other taxes.

"I'd hate to see people in the casino who can't afford it losing their money," said Gary Pierce, a 35-year-old cement truck driver from Cicero in Hamilton County who opposes expanding gambling in the state.

Despite his qualms, Pierce supported the idea because the slot-machine taxes would be used at least in part to pay for a new stadium.

"We need to keep the Colts," said Pierce, a father of two who was excitedly looking forward to today's playoff game. "If we lose them, we're never going to grow."

In the poll, respondents first were asked their initial response to the Peterson plan -- 47 percent supported it and 42 percent were opposed. Support grew after residents were given more details of the proposal -- the Colts would contribute to the stadium's cost and sign a 30-year lease, and the venue would host events such as NCAA basketball tournaments in addition to football.

Selzer & Co. of Des Moines, Iowa, conducted the poll of 805 Indiana adults Monday and Tuesday. The margin of error is plus or minus 3.5 percentage points.

The poll was conducted two weeks after Peterson announced a plan to build an approximately $500 million retractable-roof stadium, relying on taxes imposed on new slot machines. While the city has considered putting the slots in a Downtown Indianapolis casino, state lawmakers are studying bills to locate the machines at horse tracks in Anderson and Shelbyville.

The plan has sparked debate in the General Assembly, which has plenty of gambling opponents and must approve any expansion of legalized gambling. Lawmakers predict the negotiations will continue until the session's final hours in April.

Peterson's challenge

The poll results underscore the difficult task Peterson faced as he worked to craft a stadium-financing package. For instance:

� When asked whether gambling opportunities should be expanded in Indiana, but without details about what the money would be used for, 40 percent said yes. Fifty percent said no.

� Nearly three-fourths of those surveyed -- 71 percent -- oppose using more traditional taxes, such as those on income and sales, for a stadium.

But a majority approves of Peterson's plan, including people across most demographic categories, suggesting the mayor has dodged a public firestorm at the front end of the debate.

"It's probably because while this is a tax, it's not tax dollars that are mandatory," Peterson said. "And it's not taking money from any existing revenue stream."

The Colts' 12-4 regular season record and quarterback Peyton Manning's record-breaking year probably didn't hurt the proposal, either.

There is more support than opposition among both men and women. Support for the plan also crosses income lines.

But as the mayor prepares for the uncertainty of the General Assembly debate, there are pockets of opposition. For example, Hoosiers 65 and older oppose the idea 57 percent to 36 percent.

While a majority of residents from the Indianapolis metropolitan area and southern Indiana support the mayor's plan, there is opposition in the northwest corner of the state. There, opponents outweigh supporters 49 percent to 46 percent.

Although the stadium would be built Downtown, the plan is a statewide issue. Lawmakers from across Indiana will have a vote in the matter.

"The solution to this is going to be broad-based," said state Sen. Luke Kenley, R-Noblesville.

In northwest Indiana, home to several riverboat casinos, lawmakers are warning they don't plan to give Indianapolis everything it wants. State Rep. Ralph Ayres, R-Chesterton, pointed to several transportation issues he and others want addressed this session, possibly in return for supporting the stadium.

Among those polled, the region's opposition to the mayor's plan can be traced in part to the area's emotional disconnect from the rest of Indiana.

"From a business standpoint, you do nothing for us up here," said Karen Grater, a 53-year-old Valparaiso homemaker. "The politicians seem to make decisions for the southern half of the state and not the northern part."

Moreover, populous Lake and Porter counties watch Chicago television stations, listen to Chicago radio and typically root for Chicago teams.

"I would say generally people up here affiliate with the Bears," Grater said.

The gambling debate

Some opponents, however, simply disapprove of gambling.

"It is really a tax on the poor," said Ken Elmer, 53, an engineer from Columbus.

Gov.-elect Mitch Daniels has raised questions about new gambling, even as he deals with a huge budget deficit and acknowledges the importance of the Colts.

"I wouldn't rule anything out, although I've expressed grave doubts about the expansion of gambling, particularly in the heart of our capital city," he said last week.

Daniels has expressed concern that Indiana is overly dependent on gambling taxes.

According to the most recent annual reports, the state's riverboats, lottery, horse tracks and off-track betting facilities pumped $922 million into the state's coffers. The American Gaming Association says only three other states take in more casino cash than Indiana.

Along with that issue, lawmakers plan to look at the social cost of gambling.

Keith Whyte, executive director of the National Council on Problem Gambling, said about 1 percent of adults in a given year are pathological gamblers, with another 2 percent to 3 percent possibly heading that way. He said studies have found that the surge in legalized gambling hasn't led to more problem gamblers.

"But it's probably had an impact on the severity of the problems," he said.

Ethel Prater, of Lawrence, doesn't think that will be much of a problem. At 72, she visits Las Vegas as often as possible and insists she wins more than she loses at the slot machines.

If lawmakers approve new slots for Central Indiana, Prater said, she would stop going to Las Vegas and instead spend her quarters -- and dollars -- here.

"It's an outlet for people," she said. "It gives you a chance to forget your troubles, and it gives you something to do."

Call Star reporter Matthew Tully at (317) 444-6033.

IndianaMike

Jan 10, 2005, 10:16 PM

Poll results from The Indianapolis Star/WTHR:

The city�s stadium plan
The Star/WTHR (Channel 13) poll surveyed Hoosiers on their feelings about the mayor�s stadium proposal and paying for it with gambling revenue.
Respondents were provided with some of the basic elements of the plan, including details such as the Colts� agreement to stay in Indianapolis for 30 years and make a contribution of about 10 percent toward the stadium�s cost. They were then asked if they
support the mayor�s plan:
� Favor: 52%
� Oppose: 42%
� Not sure: 6%

The poll also asked whether respondents would support a stadium financed in a more traditional way through a sales, income or property tax, provided the Colts made the same 10 percent contribution.
� Favor: 24%
� Oppose: 71%
� Not sure: 4%

Note: Number may not add to 100 percent due to rounding.
Source: Poll of 805 Hoosiers statewide with a margin of error of plus or minus 3.5 percentage points.

More from the poll
Here are some highlights from The Indianapolis Star/WTHR (Channel 13) poll on gambling and a proposal to pay for a new Downtown Indianapolis stadium with gambling proceeds:

Support for the mayor�s plan
Here is how metropolitan Indianapolis residents responded when asked whether they supported gambling proceeds to fund a new Downtown stadium:
� Favor: 55%
� Oppose: 40%
� Not sure: 5%

49 percent of respondents in northwest Indiana oppose the mayor�s plan to pay for a new stadium. That part of the state was the only region where opposition topped support.
72 percent of respondents who gambled on an Indiana riverboat or at a casino elsewhere in the past year support the mayor�s plan, while 25 percent oppose it.
49 percent of people who described themselves as born-again Christians support the mayor�s plan, while 47 percent oppose it.

The gambling debate
While Hoosiers support the mayor�s plan to pay for a new stadium with gambling proceeds, they are doing it reluctantly. More Hoosiers oppose expanding gambling than favor it:
� Favor: 40%
� Oppose: 50%
� Not sure: 10%

The new poll, however, shows more than half of the state�s residents have participated in some form of legal gambling in the past year:

Played the Indiana lottery
48%
Gambled on an Indiana riverboat
18%
Gambled in a casino somewhere else
17%
Gambled at a horse track or OTB parlor
8%
None of these
44%

68 percent of respondents 65 and older oppose expanding gambling.

Note: Answers are based on responses to questions when poll respondents were provided some additional information about the agreement between the city and the Indianapolis Colts.
Source: Poll of 805 Hoosiers statewide with a margin of error of plus or minus 3.5 percentage points for the full sample

Amazing Indy

Jan 11, 2005, 11:34 PM

Discount airline AirTran Airways announced today that it will begin operations in Indianapolis this spring with flights to Atlanta and Orlando, Fla.

AirTran plans four daily nonstop flights to and from Atlanta beginning May 4 using Boeing 717 aircraft with 117 seats.

A single daily nonstop flight to and from Orlando will be added June 7, the Orlando-based airline said in a press release today.

AirTran had been a bidder in bankruptcy court for gates at Chicago's Midway Airport leased by Indianapolis based ATA.

In December, a judge approved a bid from Southwest Airlines for the gates and a 27 percent stake in ATA.

Starnews.com

Go7SD

Jan 12, 2005, 5:28 AM

I can't wait to see the owner get the boot. He's holding up progress.

City files suit to claim land near RCA Dome

January 8, 2005

The city filed an eminent domain lawsuit Friday to take ownership of a parking lot near the RCA Dome that officials want for a new transit center.

City officials could not negotiate a price with the current owner, Anthony Maio. The 2.3-acre parcel along Capitol Avenue is listed for $10 million on a real estate Internet site, but the city offered $1.9 million.

The Capital Improvement Board, a city agency that owns the RCA Dome, wants to hand the property over to the city's bus company. The city wants to build a multimillion-dollar transit hub for buses and, possibly, rapid-transit lines.

Now a Marion Superior Court will review the case and could force the owner to sell the property to the city.

Amazing Indy

Jan 12, 2005, 5:10 PM

Indianapolis International Airport recorded its busiest year ever in 2004 -- a trajectory bolstered Tuesday by the arrival of Orlando-based AirTran Airways.

Last year's growth, however, has left air travelers here and across the nation with the kind of crowding and hassles not seen since before the terrorist attacks of Sept. 11, 2001.

More than 8 million passengers used the airport last year, according to figures to be released today. That's up 9 percent since 2003.

Airport officials say the new figures underscore the importance of a $1 billion airport expansion under way. The project includes an improved highway entrance, a taller control tower, acres of new parking and a midfield terminal to be built between the current runways.

Rock-bottom fares by discount carriers like Southwest Airlines -- as well as expansions by airlines such as AirTran, which plans to begin nonstop daily service to Atlanta and Orlando this spring and could add future flights -- have helped to pace the growth.

AirTran's launch here follows a slew of added flights announced in the past few months by ATA, Northwest and other carriers. The airport now accommodates more than 74,000 arrivals and departures each year.

But the increase in passengers has begun to strain parking and terminal space, and even has led to talk of adding a new gate to the existing terminal in advance of the midfield project's completion in 2008.

Though business travelers remain the backbone of the airline industry, lower fares have begun attracting more vacationers and leisure passengers than ever before, experts said.

"After 9/11 you had a drop-off in demand, and you didn't have as much need for airport expansions and renovations," said Stephen Van Beek, executive vice president of policy for the Airports Council International in Washington. "But you have a lot of pent-up demand now."

Faster-than-anticipated passenger growth could lead to design changes in the midfield terminal, slated to include 40 gates and about 16,500 parking spaces. The existing terminal, with 34 gates, has about 11,000 spaces in five public lots.

Project officials recently doubled the number of parking spaces planned for a new midfield garage to about 5,900 and could add more surface spots, too, said project director John Kish.

The cost of adding parking or gates has not been determined.

Some experts and officials say an expansion in the midfield plan might be inevitable, given the crowding in the current terminal.

"Most of the airports in this country were designed in an era when flying was still a luxury experience," said Alan Bender, an airline economist at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University in Daytona Beach, Fla. "Now everybody flies, and you've got larger crowds and a different kind of passenger."

A bustling daily flight schedule has stretched the current terminal to near capacity, forcing passengers to take shuttles to their planes for some intrastate flights, said airport Director Patrick Dooley.

The airport, he said, is considering building a temporary, 35th gate to lessen congestion, which is particularly bad in the early morning, when a third of all of the airport's daily departures are scheduled.

Airport officials shuffled gates and ticket counters of some airlines in October to lessen congestion and security lines. They also may construct larger, centrally located ticketing desks near the gates to keep gate crowds to a minimum.

Meanwhile, a lack of tarmac space has left some airlines no choice but to park their planes far from the terminal overnight. Currently, 14 airplanes are parked away from the terminal at night. Dooley expects that to nearly triple this summer and fears running out of tarmac space soon.

Parking and curb space at the terminal also are issues. Airport lots filled up at least eight times during the recent holidays, Dooley said. Many passengers were forced to seek private, off-site parking; others circled the terminal repeatedly to look for a space.

The situation snarled traffic and limited curbside room for departing and arriving passengers.

The congestion reached its peak during the pre-Christmas snowstorm, when some drivers reported waits of more than an hour to exit the airport parking garage because of gridlock.

Officials relocated taxi stands to improve traffic flow, but evidence of crowding remains.

"We are out of gates. On top of that, longer wait times are putting many people in the gate areas," Dooley said. "We are trying to plan for the future, but we couldn't have envisioned the growth in the low-fare carriers and the aggressiveness of some of the legacy carriers in this market."

Experts point out that the record year came during a period when most of the nation's major airlines continued to struggle financially due to high jet fuel prices, increased security costs and intense fare competition.

For instance, ATA's passenger load rose 20 percent last year to about 1.9 million, making ATA the airport's most popular carrier in 2004. Even so, the airline is in bankruptcy protection.

"The airplanes are full, and the airports are making money, but the airlines aren't making any money," said David Field, the Americas editor for London-based Airline Business Magazine. "This just proves that you can carry a lot of passengers and not make any money."

Frequent air travelers say slow days at the airport are now few and far between.

John Elliot, a 59-year-old Indianapolis management trainer who flies about once a week, said airport corridors often buzz with travelers and shoppers, and security lines are considerably longer.

"The holidays were crazy," he said.

Mary Flesher's chief qualm is parking. The 46-year-old Brazil, Ind., resident flies on business about two or three times a year.

"I park in the remote lots, and I had to wait five minutes to find a parking spot," she said. "That might not seem like a lot of time, but it is when you're in a hurry. It wasn't like that before."

Amazing Indy

Jan 13, 2005, 3:32 PM

Indianapolis may not have much in common with Nike or Microsoft, but city leaders are ripping a page from the corporate playbook to better market the city's image.

An ad hoc group of city and business officials is creating a "branding" -- like Nike's swoosh and "Just Do It" slogan -- for Indianapolis. The new branding, intended to boost the city's reputation, could be ready by June.

Branding campaigns are sprouting up in cities across the country as a way to recruit businesses, workers and tourists following the success of the Las Vegas slogan "What happens in Vegas stays in Vegas."

For Indianapolis, the branding may be a little less risque. But Mayor Bart Peterson said he hopes it will capture the essence of the city's progress.

"Everybody loves Indianapolis when they personally experience it," he said. "And yet it's always the same thing about what a pleasant surprise it is. People don't expect it. We've got to get over the hurdle that we're still backwater."

Officials have narrowed the effort down to a statement that eventually will lead to the branding. That statement focuses on Indianapolis and its citizens as welcoming.

Once unveiled, the branding will appear in advertisements, on the city's Internet site and, possibly, the city's official stationery. Steve Campbell, the mayor's communication director, said the branding will be integrated with other initiatives to sell the city.

One big part of a successful campaign is creating a buzz when the branding is released, said Satina C. Sullivan, president of SCS Consulting, an Indianapolis marketing firm.

"A brand is really a promise," said Sullivan, who added that the city must then work to live up to that promise. "It's about getting people to talk about who we are."

Tom King, chairman of the Indianapolis Branding Initiative, said that in the past, organizations such as the Indiana Convention and Visitors Association and the city itself have spent millions presenting a diffuse marketing message.

King, an Eli Lilly and Co. executive, leads the committee of about 25 people, representing organizations such as the local arts council and the visitors association. The effort has been under way since the fall of 2003.

"If it works, we ought to get a lot of bang for our buck," said King, who said the campaign could help Lilly recruit workers.

"Companies like Nike and Disney have found value in defining themselves in the public's mind," he said.

The project is being financed privately with funds from organizations such as the Eli Lilly Foundation and the Central Indiana Community Foundation. No taxpayer money has been spent.

What's unclear is whether city brandings have had any measurable effect on a city's economy.

Officials in St. Paul, Minn., created their branding about a year ago and are working to get it distributed, said Sarah Fossen, the city's director of marketing. The branding includes a slogan -- "Where Goodness Inspires Greatness" -- and the city's name surrounded by a semicircle.

"It's kind of the essence or the over-arching message," Fossen said. "It's our 150 years all combined into one little message."

Starnews.com

KM1410

Jan 15, 2005, 10:11 PM

Zipper�s future open to speculation

The fate of �the Zipper Building,� a black-and-white office building at Washington Street and Virginia Avenue, is the subject of rampant speculation amid news a sale is pending.
The three-story flatiron-style building at 117 E. Washington St. is owned by a locally based partnership and managed by Freihofer Commercial Real Estate. Firm owner Walter Freihofer confirmed the building is under contract, but would provide no details, including when the sale is expected to close. He also would not identify the partnership�s members.
The 1961 building, nicknamed for its geometric design, was built for Merchants Bank and was designed by local firm Lennox Matthews Simmons and Ford Inc., one of the architects of the City-County Building. The 56,000-square-foot Class B building is about two-thirds occupied with tenants Roman Brand Group and Freihofer�s firm, according to the local office of real estate information company CoStar.
Roman Brand Group has been on a month-to-month lease for more than a year, said President Dan Roman. The agency rents 28,000 square feet, some of which is unusable because of the building�s triangular design, Roman said. Roman Brand has been looking for about 20,000 square feet elsewhere downtown, but hasn�t been notified about when or if it will have to move from the Zipper Building, he said.
The Zipper Building has been under contract at least once before, but that deal apparently fell through. Speculation about the roughly one-acre site includes upscale condominiums, a high-rise office tower and a hotel. Sources agree any buyer would probably raze the building because of an internal structure that makes conversion to multitenant space difficult.
The building is listed for $3 million, but it�s unlikely to sell for that if the buyer plans to demolish it.
�It�s hard to imagine someone spending $3 million to knock it down,� said Nick Arterburn, first vice president at the local office of CB Richard Ellis.
One scenario, local real estate experts said, is that a local developer has the building under contract while it tries to secure tenants for a build-to-suit office building.
At least two large downtown users of office space are in the market. Locally based law firm Bose McKinney is weighing whether to renew its lease at First Indiana Plaza, lease elsewhere or have a headquarters built, said Vicki Curtis, director of administration for the law firm. Its lease expires in 2008, she said. The firm occupies four floors, or about 50,000 square feet, of the office tower.
Bose McKinney doesn�t have a timetable for its decision but hopes to choose this year, she said.
The firm has a long-standing relationship with locally based Duke Realty Corp., which developed First Indiana Plaza in the early 1990s. Spokeswoman Donna Hovey said Duke doesn�t have the Zipper Building under contract.
Another downtown tenant, Columbus, Ohio-based Huntington National Bank, is also considering whether to renew or move, brokers said. The bank occupies 35,000 square feet, including a retail branch location, in Browning Investments Inc.�s Capital Center at 201 N. Illinois St. Representatives for Huntington couldn�t be reached for comment.
If two large tenants were to commit to a new office building, a build-to-suit on the site would make sense, local real estate experts said.
Although downtown multitenant office vacancy rates have held steady at about 16 percent in the past year, the market is bracing for a double whammy. Simon Property Group Inc.�s new headquarters at Capitol Avenue and Washington Street, set for completion in 2006, will empty Simon�s current 170,000 square feet of space at National City Center. And Guidant Corp.�s pending acquisition by Johnson & Johnson means an uncertain future for the medical device maker�s 60,000-square-foot headquarters in Bank One Tower.
Other real estate sources suggested the triangular-shaped Zipper Building site might be best suited for residential. Across Washington Street, Hearthview Residential successfully converted an office building at 110 E. Washington St. into high-end condos. Across Virginia Avenue, south-side developer Greg Allen is considering condos as one of the options for Jefferson Plaza, an eight-story office building Allen has under contract.

http://tampa.ibj.com/Repository/getimage.dll?path=IBJ/2005/01/17/1/Img/Pc0010500.jpg

KM1410

Jan 15, 2005, 10:12 PM

Stadium�s pathway not clear

CIB must make land deals with Comfort Inn, Hurst Co.

It�s up to legislators to approve whether and how the city�s proposed $900 million Indiana Convention Center expansion and stadium complex would be funded, but a handful of property owners that have title to land in the planned stadium�s path will also play a role in determining the project�s fate.
The Marion County Capital Improvement Board is working with owners of the few pieces of property it still needs for the construction project and associated parking lots. CIB owns about 85 percent of the land needed, and won�t hesitate to pursue eminent domain cases for the remaining land if owners refuse to sell, CIB President Fred Glass said.
Before that happens, however, CIB is trying to avoid time-consuming court cases by working out deals with a half-dozen landowners who collectively own about eight of the more than 30 acres in the two-block-area where the stadium would be built.
Money for the land will come from $125 million the city has earmarked for land acquisition and soft costs for the project.
Almost all of the privately owned land is occupied by two businesses: the Comfort Inn and Suites at 530 S. Capitol Ave. and Hurst Co. Inc., a distributor of dried beans with its headquarters at 230 W. McCarty St.
A deal is in the works to relocate the hotel, but a Hurst representative said his company has no plans to move.
CIB hasn�t made a formal offer to buy the 5-acre Hurst property and 50,000-square-foot building, said company President Rick Hurst, who added he�d consider any offer that comes along.
But the family-owned business has been in its present location since 1948 and Hurst has no desire to relocate its 60 employees, he said.
�It�s a great place to be,� Hurst said, noting the building�s proximity to Interstate 70. �We like being downtown.�
The footprint of the proposed stadium lies to the north of the Hurst property, but the city will need the land for parking, said Mary Solada, a local attorney and CIB member who is working with landowners.
The Comfort Inn relocation is more vital to the plan, as the hotel sits within the footprint of the retractable-roof stadium proposed for Indianapolis Colts games and other events.
CIB and the hotel�s owner, Fishersbased Dora Brothers Hospitality Corp., have been in discussions about the roughly 2-acre parcel on which the hotel sits. No financial details have been worked out, but the deal will likely involve CIB buying the hotel and providing Dora with a comparable site to rebuild, said company principal Tim Dora. He said CIB had contacted him before the new stadium plans were unveiled. The 143-room hotel opened in 1996 and finished a 57-room addition in 2001.
Any new hotel site would need to be near the convention center, the largest driver of demand for the Comfort Inn�s rooms, Dora said.
Dora Brothers also owns a nearby 108-room Best Western hotel completed in spring 2003. That hotel wouldn�t be affected by the stadium plan, Dora said.
Dora said his company is willing to work with the city to help make the convention center expansion possible.
�We are pretty enthusiastic about it,� Dora said. �I think it�s a great move for the city. We have a positive attitude going in. We want to be treated fairly, but we also want to be a good citizen.�
In the hotel�s case, there may be considerable �pushing and pulling� about the value of the property Dora Brothers will give up compared with what they will receive, predicted Mark Eble, a locally based hotel real estate consultant with Philadelphia-based PKF Consulting.
Ultimately, however, all the owners of the land CIB needs �are going to get bounced off either way,� Eble noted.
CIB has been accumulating land south of the RCA Dome for years, but stepped up purchases in the early 1990s, around the time it was finishing the most recent $45 million expansion of the convention center.
Between 1991 and 2002, CIB paid $7.6 million to buy almost 18 acres in the area, including a 6-acre lot on McCarty Street purchased in 2001 for $3 million. Most of the CIB-owned land is now used for parking.
The board has already closed on one deal since the Colts/convention center/stadium plan was announced Dec. 19, paying $437,000 for a 1/3-acre parcel of land and warehouse at 220 W. McCarty St. owned by local businessman Walter Corbin.
CIB hopes to have all the land it needs under ownership within the next couple of months so work can begin later this year if the General Assembly approves a funding plan for the expansion and stadium, Glass said. If it�s approved, the city has already committed to having the 465,000-squarefoot Indiana Convention Center expansion finished by 2010, meaning the new stadium would have to be complete in 2008 so that the RCA Dome could be razed to make way for the expansion.
The city has a contingency plan for construction, however, to take into account those landowners who are �late coming to the party,� Glass said. If funding is approved, the city will move forward with demolition, site work and infrastructure improvements on CIB-owned land while the acquisition process continues.
�We will not wait to wrap up every last piece of property to go forward if we are otherwise ready,� Glass said.

http://tampa.ibj.com/Repository/getimage.dll?path=IBJ/2005/01/17/36/Img/Pc0360200.jpg

KM1410

Jan 15, 2005, 10:13 PM

Crate and Barrel makes it official

Northbrook, Ill.-based Crate and Barrel expects to open at Fashion Mall at Keystone at the Crossing late this fall, marking the houseware and furnishing retailer�s first nonoutlet store in Indiana.
The two-level store will be about 33,000 square feet, a �fairly typical� size for new stores in the chain, said company spokeswoman Bette Kahn. The store likely will house furnishings on the first floor and housewares on the second, Kahn said.
IBJ reported in March that the retailer was close to signing a lease for space on the east end of the mall then occupied by TGI Friday�s restaurant. The Dallas-based restaurant moved to a Fashion Mall outlot formerly occupied by Stuart Anderson�s Cattle Co. The restaurant�s old space, near California-based The Cheesecake Factory, has been demolished.
Crate and Barrel, a privately held company, has 130 stores nationwide. The retailer, known by its distinctive black-and-white logo, offers fashion-conscious home furnishings for moderate prices. The company has been steadily expanding since the late 1980s and frequently opens more than one store in a market. Kahn said the company won�t decide whether to open multiple locations in the Indianapolis area until after the first store is open.

Amazing Indy

Jan 16, 2005, 12:16 AM

Cool, my moms been waiting for something like this to come by...glad to here its coming to indy and the fashion mall....good find

Midwesterner

Jan 16, 2005, 12:22 AM

On the three articles

1. The zipper building, while unique, is ugly. It would be great to see a highrise condo go up at the site.

2. Let's hope the Comfort Inn relocates and builds a tower with an urban design.

3. Good.

IndianaMike

Jan 16, 2005, 2:13 AM

The company has been steadily expanding since the late 1980s and frequently opens more than one store in a market. Kahn said the company won�t decide whether to open multiple locations in the Indianapolis area until after the first store is open.

So if the store sells well (I assume that it will) maybe this means a store downtown.

Go7SD

Jan 16, 2005, 4:52 AM

The last I heard was that a downtown store would be located at the new Market Square location.

KM1410

Jan 16, 2005, 8:16 AM

Northwest building up service
Nation's No. 5 carrier will fly nonstop from Indianapolis to 22 cities

No fewer than five discount carriers fly to Indianapolis, led by ATA Airlines, and a sixth is coming, AirTrans Airways of Orlando.

But the city's low-fare lines suddenly face competition from a surprising direction.

A global giant known for carrying corporate travelers is completing a dramatic expansion at Indianapolis International Airport.

Northwest Airlines of Eagan, Minn., has been tripling service, including low-fare flights to business and vacation centers.

By late next month, Northwest will dispatch 49 jets a day from Indianapolis, the most flights by the airline from any U.S. city after its hubs at Detroit, Memphis, Tenn., and Minneapolis.

Northwest, the nation's No. 5 carrier with 450 jets, has flown to Indianapolis for two decades.

Despite the long relationship, especially with major corporate travelers such as Eli Lilly and Co. and General Motors Corp., Northwest hasn't dominated air service.

Last summer, the carrier operated 17 daily flights from Indianapolis, chiefly to its hubs. Its expansion will double the number of airplane seats it has available every day out of Indianapolis to 4,104.

Aviation analysts say this buildup appears to be a calculated effort to further undermine ATA, the bankrupt Indianapolis-based carrier. But Northwest said the expansion is part of a Midwest service increase that follows a two-year study that shows Indianapolis wants more flights.

"We went to our customers in Indiana, and what they told us is they want more service to Washington and New York and key point-to-point markets," said Tom Bach, Northwest vice president of market planning.

Across the nation, low-fare haulers have moved in to swoop away travelers frustrated by the pricey tickets common among the major airlines.

But few airports have experienced what is going on at Indianapolis International. A well-heeled line is expanding against an array of low-fare carriers.

After the decline of US Airways' hub here in the 1990s, Indianapolis evolved into a low-fare haven for market leader ATA and America West, Frontier, Independence and Southwest.

Northwest's expansion could sop up enough passengers that some of the low-cost lines eventually could pull back or leave, although aviation analysts aren't sure when that may happen, if it at all.

"Every airline seems to think they can increase market share. But there's never enough traffic to accommodate the optimistic plans by the airlines," said Indiana University economist Clinton Oster, who has followed the airline industry since 1979.

"I don't know if that means there's going to be a bust in Indianapolis," Oster said. "There's going to be some fairly aggressive prices while these things get sorted out."

Indianapolis-based ATA was the No. 9 carrier with 82 aircraft when it filed for bankruptcy in October. Since then it has worked out a business alliance with Dallas discount king Southwest Airlines, and expects to emerge from bankruptcy this summer.

"ATA looked like it was going to liquidate, and I think there was discussion that there was a good opportunity for Northwest to step up to the plate," said long-time airline analyst Helane Becker of Benchmark Co. in New York.

"The moment there's a financial problem, they're here," ATA founder and Chairman J. George Mikelsons said in a December interview, referring to major carriers in general. "They're predatory against other carriers, especially if they taste blood on the water, smell blood on the water."

Northwest planners, however, single out Indianapolis as under-served. "The Indianapolis (air travel) market is twice as big as Memphis, where we have a hub, but it has far less air service," Bach said. "Why America West didn't grow bigger in Indianapolis or why ATA didn't grow bigger, I have no idea."

While ATA served Indianapolis, its focus was Chicago Midway. "ATA historically was more oriented toward leisure travel," said IU's Oster.

ATA now is building up Indianapolis as a hub with 66 daily flights, but it's the first time the airport has been a hub since US Airways' decline.

"Indianapolis always had this marvelous position where it isn't anyone's fortress hub, but it's big enough where everyone wants to serve it," Oster said.

In recent years, that's been ATA and other low-fare carriers responsible for the surge in travel from Indianapolis.

Passengers boarding at Indianapolis International spent $560 million last year for airline tickets, up 5.6 percent from the year before, Bach said.

In contrast, ticket revenue originated in Memphis was $300 million, compared with $460 million in Milwaukee and $450 million in Columbus, Ohio, two cities regarded as Indianapolis' peers, but without the concentration of discount airlines.

With its service buildup, Northwest will fly from Indianapolis nonstop to 22 cities. Some are regarded primarly as business destinations, such as Boston; Hartford, Conn.; Kansas City, Mo.; and Raleigh, N.C., while others are considered tourist centers, including Fort Lauderdale, Fla.; Las Vegas; and Phoenix.

In some cases, Northwest is adding a flight to a destination it already has served. In Philadelphia, for example, an early-morning flight was added.

Of those 22 cities, Northwest and ATA will compete in only 10, though three of these long have been among ATA's most profitable routes -- Fort Myers, Orlando and Tampa.

In setting its ticket prices, Northwest has been matching or coming in a bit higher than low-fare carriers on the same routes.

"I can't think of a circumstance where we can undercut them," Bach said. "They usually set the fares fairly pretty low."

http://www.indystar.com/articles/8/209603-4608-223.html

Go7SD

Jan 16, 2005, 10:24 AM

It's about time the airport becomes a hub. May be this will be a lesson to ATA not to lose focus on the airport when other airlines like NW can come in and take it from them. Midway was a big mistake to begin with. Although, this is really great news.

Amazing Indy

Jan 17, 2005, 2:56 AM

This is great to hear that Indy will become a focus/hub city for NWA (lets just hope it dosent belly up like all the other airlines seem to be going. This is great news for me to hear because of attending college in Boston...i have more choices for flying back home. Great news

IndianaMike

Jan 17, 2005, 3:09 AM

Midway was a big mistake to begin with.

I believe that ATA moving out of Midway will have a big impact on the airport situation in Chicago. What we know is that ATA will be starting Gary to Indy flights. What I hope is that ATA will figure out that Gary is a much cheaper place to operate than Midway ever could be. This would save them money and put more planes through Gary, thus making a makeshift third Chicago airport, ending the airport battle, and Indiana would take the spoils.

Snowbird

Jan 17, 2005, 3:23 AM

Midway was a big mistake to begin with.

ATA's buildup at Midway wasn't a mistake in and of itself, but the way they used it was a tragic mistake.

Midway is a terrible airport in which to operate a hub. Mikelsons fired the moron CEO that started the Midway hub, but too late to reorganize their operations into a more profitable schedule.

Midway has short, cramped runways laid close together, so that you have to operate one airplane in and one airplane out, which makes for a long drawn out bank of flights. That combined with it's small aprons and gate areas makes it very difficult to get thirty planes in at the same time, switch passengers, and then get those thirty planes out in a timely manner.

Midway is perfect for operating an O & D (origination & destination) operation, just serving those people coming to, or going from, Chicago. Southwest owns the other half of Midway and this is how they use it, and they're making money hand over fist.

So if ATA had operated an O & D operation at Midway, and a small vacation hub at Indy serving the smaller communities in the midwest, all this time, they'd probably be doing fine right now.

Oh well, Mikelsons learned a very important lesson. Be careful who you let drive your precious automobile, while you take a nap in the backseat, because they just might wreck it.

Amazing Indy

Jan 17, 2005, 3:57 AM

One thing I want to point out through my time here on winter break from college is the acceleration of a lot of the projects. Two come to mind...the control tower is finished and it looks pretty damn good. The completion of the work on I-70 looks impressive and im hoping when the new terminal comes that it will aleviate any added traffic with all the news of new carriers and additional flights.

I'm just waiting for that new midfield terminal to come.

The current airport certainly seems dated in comparisson to other airports, but the thing I find most prevalent is the crampedness of the airport and I'm glad to see that being adressed in the new midfield terminal.

A very interesting link I found while looking through the Indianapolis airport website was the site dedicated to the "New Indianapolis International Airport". I noticed in the section marked galleries in the left hand corner has more artist renderings than the site has shown for the airport. Some very interesting ones, but unfortunately the pics are not the tpe you can post on this forum. Please check out the link...very interesting and informative website too.

http://www.newindairport.com/renderings.shtm (http://)

SChristopher

Jan 18, 2005, 6:03 PM

Whats up with the MSA towers, cancelled, on hold forever, redesigned? Anything else exciting going on, does Wellpoint/Anthem need more office space yet, how is simon coming, give me something good. I also heard a while back there was a new tall for the Keystone area proposed...is that happening?

IndianaMike

Jan 18, 2005, 9:25 PM

Interest grows for large hotel Downtown

Early-stage talk is predicated on convention center expansion, new football site, developer says.

By Ted Evanoff
ted.evanoff@indystar.com
January 18, 2005

Hotel chains have shown early interest in opening a large hotel by 2010 beside an expanded convention center proposed for Downtown Indianapolis, an influential developer said.

"We've heard from two different groups. We told them the same thing. Until the city is able to put together a program to allow the convention center's expansion, it's premature," said Michael Browning, president of Browning Investments Inc. of Indianapolis.

It's the first sign a hotelier has shown even sketchy interest in operating what could be a high-rise hotel of 500 to 1,000 rooms near the RCA Dome.

Building or expanding a hotel Downtown would be essential to complement an expanded Indiana Convention Center. Local officials have proposed a convention center expansion and say it is required for Indianapolis to remain in the first tier of U.S. convention cities.

Browning, who didn't disclose the groups' names, responded in an interview to a recurrent rumor that his firm may develop a hotel near the RCA Dome, possibly at Pan Am Plaza, which includes an ice skating rink, fountains and open plaza at Capitol Avenue and Georgia Street named for the 1987 Pan American Games.

Browning downplayed the rumor. He said "there isn't anything to it" and added "certainly it's a possibility" but noted a series of events must take place before even preliminary hotel plans can be made.

"There's no reason to have a hotel prior to 2010," Browning said.

Indianapolis officials are considering razing the RCA Dome and building in its place a 465,000-square-foot addition to the present convention center for an estimated $247.5 million to $302.5 million.

Separately, a new arena would be built nearby to replace the dome and house the Indianapolis Colts professional football franchise.

Browning's name arose as a potential hotel developer because his firm studied the disposition of property for Indiana Sports Corp., a nonprofit agency that organizes major events and handles leasing at Pan Am Plaza.

Before a new hotel went up, Browning said, a stadium would be built, then crews would tear down the dome in 2007 and expand the convention center, completing the project probably in 2009.

If there were a new hotel, its opening would coincide with the convention center's expansion. On that timetable, even the preliminary plans for a convention center expansion are two years away, Browning said.

"We couldn't know the size of the hotel until we knew the size of the convention center," Browning said.

Although a recent Brookings Institution study says the convention business has peaked nationwide and in Indianapolis, where attendance dropped a third to 402,000 visitors from 1999 to 2003, local officials insist an expansion is necessary.

To keep drawing major trade groups, the convention center must be able to host two major trade groups at once, and to do that it needs to expand and add another major hotel, said Robert Bedell, head of the Indianapolis Convention and Visitors Association.

"It's not so much the number of rooms that's critical in a new hotel as it is two headquarters hotels being simultaneously available," Bedell said.

Downtown already contains about 5,600 hotel and motel rooms, including three hotels regarded as headquarters hotels large enough to contain rooms for a single convention.

They are the Hyatt, Marriott and Westin, with about 1,685 rooms in total.

http://www.indystar.com/articles/7/210301-1637-105.html

Go7SD

Jan 19, 2005, 3:35 AM

Amazing Indy

Jan 20, 2005, 7:13 PM

Financing plans for a new Indianapolis Colts stadium are in trouble, as House Speaker Brian Bosma said plans to expand gambling to pay for it are "dead."

Indianapolis Mayor Bart Peterson has said the city needs $46 million annually for 30 years to pay off bonds that would finance a new retractable-dome stadium for the NFL team.

That money would come in part from slot-like machines possibly in Downtown Indianapolis.

"The message I'd like to send to the mayor is he ought to find another financing mechanism for a Dome downtown than putting a casino in the middle of the most family-friendly city in the Midwest," Bosma, R-Indianapolis, said. "As far as I'm concerned, that proposal is dead."

Bosma said he is willing to work with Peterson on finding a different funding mechanism. Peterson has said he is open to other ideas, as long as the bottom line is $46 million.

Bosma said Peterson "can look for other measures to make this happen and we'll try to help him in that regard. But I feel it is very irresponsible for the future of the state of our city to propose putting a major casino within 150 yards of the Statehouse, hooked up by tunnel to the Statehouse. He needs to look elsewhere."

Bosma also indicated that he thinks the planned new stadium may be too extravagant.

"I'm not sure that we have to have the most expensive dome in the country," he said. "The last dome that was built was built for $77 million. This one is something like $600 million. The last dome that was built had one-third private participation from private foundations. This one I hear no participation whatsoever. There's been no discussion by the mayor with other leaders about a regional solution here. I find the whole proposal at this point fairly irresponsible."

Peterson and Colts owner Jim Irsay last month announced a deal for the stadium, which could open by fall 2008 and cost between $550 million and $700 million to build.

The stadium is seen as essential to the city keeping the Colts, whose current home, the RCA Dome, is the NFL's smallest. The plan calls for a 63,000-seat stadium with a retractable roof that could be expanded to 70,000 seats to host a Super Bowl.

House Minority Leader Pat Bauer, D-South Bend, said today another plan could be determined.

"I think there's alternatives," Bauer said. "We have to find another horse to ride."

Senate Republican leaders have blocked similar pull-tab machine proposals in the past.

Go7SD

Jan 21, 2005, 4:36 PM

Well, if the legislature is going to make it hard to fund the stadium then I guess the only other alternative is to make it open air. The problem with it though is that Irsay won't buy it. This isn't good people.

Amazing Indy

Jan 21, 2005, 4:48 PM

yeah, and we cant build open air because of the contract with the NCAA. It will be interesting to see the states planes if any or if they're there to just say yes or no. I hope they give suggestions because this is needed.

LouisvilleJake

Jan 21, 2005, 8:00 PM

Seeing as how I'm an Indiana taxpayer and resident I have a vested interest in the squandering of money by the state.

Good for Bosma for reiterating we will NOT be expanding gambling in the state of Indiana...we have enough as it is. And seeing as how it would have been built DT; actually CONNECTED via tunnels and pedways to our Statehouse...I am doubly glad this option is being shelved.

Indiana has a debt big enough to swallow half of Indianapolis....and we already are planning on building a new multi billion dollar interstate, exand US 31 to interstate quality, building 2 bridges with Kentucky, facing excalating healthcare costs...the list goes on and on. We can't just heap on another 700 million dollar stadium and 400 million dollar convention center expansion (especiallty in light of the Brookings Institute report on the state of the convention industry)

So the Colts will have to either A) wait their turn to sip from the state fountain. B) Help the state a TINSY bit more...you know, the state was KINDA getting a piss poor deal outta this C) Brainstorm with Petterson and Bosma to actually come up with a palatable plan D) Move away.

KM1410

Jan 21, 2005, 11:31 PM

Seeing as how I'm an Indiana taxpayer and resident I have a vested interest in the squandering of money by the state.

um, no state money would be used for the colts stadium

Good for Bosma for reiterating we will NOT be expanding gambling in the state of Indiana...we have enough as it is. And seeing as how it would have been built DT; actually CONNECTED via tunnels and pedways to our Statehouse...I am doubly glad this option is being shelved.

who said the pull tabs had to go in a building thats connected to the statehouse?

Indiana has a debt big enough to swallow half of Indianapolis....and we already are planning on building a new multi billion dollar interstate, exand US 31 to interstate quality, building 2 bridges with Kentucky, facing excalating healthcare costs...the list goes on and on. We can't just heap on another 700 million dollar stadium and 400 million dollar convention center expansion (especiallty in light of the Brookings Institute report on the state of the convention industry)

once again state money would not be going towards the construction of the stadium or convention center. So why keep up bringing up the amount of debt the state is in? And if you think that US 31 doesnt need to be upgraded to interstate quality, you're crazy.

D) Move away.

i'm sure thats what youre hoping for. why do i have the feeling that if louisville was in this situation, you'd have a different viewpoint.

LouisvilleJake

Jan 22, 2005, 2:50 AM

Quote by LouisvilleJake
Seeing as how I'm an Indiana taxpayer and resident I have a vested interest in the squandering of money by the state.

um, no state money would be used for the colts stadium

Hmmmm. So what? This is going to be 100 percent funded by private ways? I'd say not, so the state will somehow have to make money available to Indianapolis. In some way, somehow, the state is going to get involved in a billion dollar + project. How will that happen? We're yet to truly know how this will even be funded, so for you to somehow claim the state will not be involved is almost naive.

Quote

Good for Bosma for reiterating we will NOT be expanding gambling in the state of Indiana...we have enough as it is. And seeing as how it would have been built DT; actually CONNECTED via tunnels and pedways to our Statehouse...I am doubly glad this option is being shelved.

who said the pull tabs had to go in a building thats connected to the statehouse?

Actually, you're right. No one on here had said that. I merely saw a list of possible locations, many of them unconfortably close to our Statehouse. So I regret the confusion I created.

Quote
Indiana has a debt big enough to swallow half of Indianapolis....and we already are planning on building a new multi billion dollar interstate, exand US 31 to interstate quality, building 2 bridges with Kentucky, facing excalating healthcare costs...the list goes on and on. We can't just heap on another 700 million dollar stadium and 400 million dollar convention center expansion (especiallty in light of the Brookings Institute report on the state of the convention industry)

once again state money would not be going towards the construction of the stadium or convention center. So why keep up bringing up the amount of debt the state is in? And if you think that US 31 doesnt need to be upgraded to interstate quality, you're crazy.

1) I never said US 31 didn't need to be made to interstate quality. WHERE DID I SAY THAT? Or even insinuate that? I was just listing major projects our state is currently embarking upon.
2) Again, to think that the state is not going to somehow get involved is naive. Somehow, someway, taxes will be used. Whether the state has to allow Indianapolis to build a casino, or a new way to devised, the hand of the state and some of its money will be used.

Quote
D) Move away.

i'm sure thats what youre hoping for. why do i have the feeling that if louisville was in this situation, you'd have a different viewpoint.

Actually, no. That is not what I hope for, so do not suppose to know my feelings. Thanks though.

And if Louisville was being extorted for 700 million dollars you'd see me demanding the city and state come up with something better than a casino in downtown Louisville and some tiny contribution by a team.

Go7SD

Jan 22, 2005, 4:56 AM

Indiana has a debt big enough to swallow half of Indianapolis....and we already are planning on building a new multi billion dollar interstate, exand US 31 to interstate quality, building 2 bridges with Kentucky, facing excalating healthcare costs...the list goes on and on. We can't just heap on another 700 million dollar stadium and 400 million dollar convention center expansion (especiallty in light of the Brookings Institute report on the state of the convention industry)

Jake, apparently we don't have 25 fortune 500 company headquarters in the city generating the kind of tax revenue to help get us out of the red. We need to create something that will benefit the local economy right now so we can help pay for those projects you've just listed. It's either that or we start raising more taxes. I don't think raising property taxes to increase the foreclosure numbers is the answer. I think a new stadium and casino can really help get us out of this mess. Since our population is growing we need to start expanding our economy by creating a source of income to help support that growth. When there are millions in tax revenue generated by the new stadium and casino everyone wins. The newly expanded convention center means more business which in return means more tax revenue for the city and state. It's rather simple. We either develop a new source of income or face increased taxes.

SChristopher

Jan 22, 2005, 6:46 AM

Im going to copy paste what I said in SSC :

"Thats a damn effin shame. God forbid we have a casino in the 'family friendly' midwest city that is home to two gay bath houses. In addition you have to be 21 to go in a casino or gamble so what about the children is a rediculous argument. 18 for the lottery...oh which Indy has already. Even kids can get lottery tickets. There is a Ceasars less than 2 hours away anyways. Gambling would be a huge draw to the city because it would be a casino or gambling that isnt in the middle of nowhere which for the most part is an anomaly. I hate fanatics."

In addition to that, sports are part of what makes Indianapolis what it is and why it has become what it has become. The Colts, an anything but sub par team definatly deserve better than that RCA thing :). In addition Indy has a great Convention Downtown but a convention center that is behind in a time where many people are upgrading quickly. It would be unwise for indy to fall behind at this juncture. And yes Raising taxes is a BAD idea...I live in Cincinnati...nuff sed. I guess everyone is entitled to their own opinion though, I just though indy had a more open mind than some other places in the midwest I have been, hopefully it will all work out well. In other news I am disappointed the MSA Condos have been delayed..will someone buy the rest of the hundred so we can get this thing goin ? :)

Amazing Indy

Jan 23, 2005, 12:56 AM

Gov. Mitch Daniels left the door open Friday to adding slot machines at Indiana's two horse racing tracks to help fund a new stadium, but he also said the city of Indianapolis should consider raising taxes instead.

The one choice he won't support is Mayor Bart Peterson's plan to have slot machines in Downtown Indianapolis.

"Colts, yes. Casino, no," Daniels said Friday as he met with reporters in his Statehouse office.

Peterson, a Democrat, said he is open to ideas other than his plan to allow slot machines Downtown to raise the $46 million annually for 30 years to pay off the debt incurred by building a new retractable-roof stadium as part of a proposed deal with the Indianapolis Colts.

But the one idea he isn't considering, he said, is a local tax increase.

Citing jail overcrowding that has resulted in criminals being released, Peterson said that if he has to raise local option income taxes, it won't be for the Colts.

"It's going to be to keep murderers off the street," he said.

Daniels, a Republican, said he agrees with House Speaker Brian Bosma's assessment that adding slot machines to the off-track betting parlor that is already near the Statehouse is wrong.

"I don't happen to believe we ought to have a casino in the middle of the capital city," Daniels said.

Bosma, R-Indianapolis, said Thursday that Peterson's proposal is "dead." While no proposal in the legislature can truly be declared dead until the session ends, speakers have tremendous clout to advance the plans they like and doom those they don't.

Peterson said Daniels and Bosma "have both said they don't want to see a (slot machine) facility in Downtown Indianapolis. I'd be pretty foolish not to listen to them, given who they are. I respect them, and I respect their position."

Peterson has said that without a new stadium, the Colts will leave Indianapolis.

Daniels said, "This will work out. There are many other options. I'm sure one will be found in the end."

Two bills offered by Republican lawmakers in the House would legalize slot machines and place them at the horse-racing tracks in Anderson and Shelbyville. One measure would provide an estimated $48 million; the other would provide $30 million.

Daniels said he would set two conditions for any new forms of gambling. Licenses to operate should be awarded only after an open and competitive bidding process, he said, and the state's share of the revenue should go to infrastructure and economic development projects, and not be used to shore up the general fund.

Michael Brown, spokesman for the Indiana Horse Racing and Breeding Coalition, said the group is concerned by Daniels' statement that the current owners of the tracks should not assume they would get the licenses for the slot machines.

"The tracks are a significant part of Indiana's horse racing industry," Brown said. "We want to make sure they do well out of this. I don't see how you can divorce that (gambling) facility from the tracks sitting adjacent to it."

While the lottery and the riverboat casinos have been two of the most stable sources of revenue for Indiana in recent years, Daniels said gambling is too risky to count on.

"Let's don't bet on it, so to speak," he said.

Daniels also said he is willing to consider legalizing video gambling machines, which are now contraband but common in taverns and clubs around the state.

Indiana, he said, either needs to start enforcing the laws banning the machines, or legalize and regulate them.

Amazing Indy

Jan 25, 2005, 12:58 PM

IndyGo added two diesel-electric buses to its fleet Monday, part of a larger effort by the transit agency to reduce smog, trim fuel costs and recast itself as more environmentally friendly.

The buses, which run on a combination of diesel and electricity, are faster and quieter. They also swill slightly less fuel and emit less pollution.

But the new vehicles are also expensive -- $500,000 each, or roughly $200,000 more than a regular diesel-only bus. They use dramatically more fuel than hybrid cars, which can go 30 miles or more per gallon, but make up for that in part by carrying so many passengers. Over the long haul, though, the new buses may not save the agency much money.

They are expected to squeeze out an extra mile or two per gallon of fuel compared with IndyGo's other buses, which average three to five miles per gallon. The new buses will begin service Feb. 1.

Gilbert Holmes, IndyGo's president and chief executive officer, heralded the announcement as a landmark moment for an agency on the upswing. IndyGo has wrestled with financial problems and last year was forced to slash some routes and service. But the agency now has plans for an ambitious expansion and in March is expected to unveil a package of proposed improvements, including route changes and additional buses.

"This is an exciting day," Holmes said at a news conference complete with lights and rock music showcasing the new buses at an Allison Transmission plant near Indianapolis International Airport.

IndyGo joins a growing number of urban transit agencies turning to diesel-electric and other technologies, such as compressed natural gas, in the hopes of meeting stricter federal pollution standards, slicing rising fuel costs and encouraging fuel efficiency in the general public.

Transit officials in Seattle have been among the most aggressive, upgrading the city's aging diesel fleet with more than 200 hybrid buses in recent years.

But startup costs are steep, and fuel savings from the hybrids here likely will be small at first. Transit leaders in Seattle, for instance, projected they would lower fuel consumption by about 60 percent. By most estimates, they have saved about a third of that.

With an average use of about 50,000 miles a year and a per-gallon diesel cost of $1.41 -- what IndyGo pays now -- one hybrid bus could save the agency about $4,000 in fuel expenses annually.

But those savings are offset by the half-million dollar price of a hybrid bus. Though four-fifths of the cost will be defrayed by federal grants, estimates show IndyGo might break even if the buses make it through their expected 12- to 14-year life span.

Holmes said IndyGo plans to purchase more hybrid buses through federal grants but could not say when.

A quick tour reveals that the new hybrid buses are without the grating hum and potent diesel smell characteristic of regular IndyGo buses. The vehicles look similar to traditional buses -- except that the hybrids house a large battery pack on the rear of the roof.

Unlike regular internal combustion engines, which get more miles per gallon at higher speeds, gas-electric hybrids are most efficient when traffic is stop-and-go. The electric motor powers the vehicle when it is stationary.

On Monday, Holmes and others also touted the arrival of the new buses as a potential boon for Indiana auto parts makers, which helped provide the hybrids' engines and other components.

Midwesterner

Jan 26, 2005, 2:53 AM

Pub collapses on Massachusetts Ave.

By Kevin O'Neal
kevin.oneal@indystar.com
January 25, 2005

At 3 p.m. today, Matt Theobald was enjoying what may have been the last pizza the 745 Bar & Grill will ever serve. Ten minutes later, the kitchen collapsed into a hole being dug for a new building next door, forcing five customers and three workers to flee.

"It took about a half hour for it to sink in," said Theobald.

All eight people were unhurt, but the kitchen at the rear of the building was left sagging, its brick wall lying at the bottom of the hole. Only a minute or so passed between a warning from the construction crew and the kitchen's collapse.

The trouble happened just southwest of the corner of Massachusetts and College avenues. There, the building at 771 Massachusetts Ave., formerly home to the Abbey Coffee House, had been demolished to make way for a new condominium and retail project, The Beilouny at Chatham Pointe.

A hole being dug for an underground parking garage in the condo project reached right to the property line of the 745 Bar & Grill.

Former Gov. Joseph Kernan was a regular at the restaurant, which was also a frequent lunch stop for officials of the Indianapolis firefighters' union, which has its offices across the street.

A couple of hours after the collapse, Harry Adams, manager of the project for developer Indy Ventures, said his company hired a contractor that specializes in shoring up existing buildings close to new construction. Indianapolis firefighters identified the construction company as Richard Goettle Inc. of Cincinnati, which describes itself as a company specializing in deep foundations and pile driving.

"They were attempting to do that when this happened," he said. He wasn't able to describe how that work was being done or explain the cause of the collapse. Adams said he was just beginning to investigate and hadn't been to the site since the collapse.

"We're just thankful no one got hurt," Adams said.

Work on the $12 million, 27-unit condo project, started last November; plans call for it to be complete by late this fall.

The project will include one, two, three and four-bedroom apartments on the second through fourth floors, according to David Morris, an agent with Century 21 at the Crossing. The fifth floor can hold up to three penthouses ranging in price from $800,000 to $1.1 million, or may be sold as a single unit.

The first floor will have 9,200 square feet of retail space.

Originally, the developer was going to build a seven-story project but the Indianapolis Historic Preservation Commission objected to the height of that building and asked Indy Ventures to explore shortening the project, perhaps by adding basement-level parking.

The sight of the restaurant, perched right on the edge of the hole for that parking, was something between unusual and unnerving for people who frequented that area, including customers of Complexions Day Spa, next door to the bar and grill.

"We've had small talk from people getting pedicures about the building -- it's just standing there, and they wondered if it was going to fall down," said Trinia Myers, owner of Complexions. "Now we know."

Tracy Robertson, owner of the 745 Bar & Grill, said the developers of the Beilouny had assured her "that we would be fine during construction."

A crack had developed in a front corner of the building next to the excavation on New Year's Day, and a window at the day spa had cracked because of vibrations from the construction work, but the first hint of major trouble happened only hours before the collapse.

"We noticed some cracks this morning in the kitchen," Robertson said. The kitchen is at the rear of the building, right next to the excavation. A construction representative took pictures of the cracks, Robertson said.

"Through the day, the cracks got larger, and then it happened," Robertson said.

According to Indianapolis firefighters, the construction crews were shoring up dirt next to the 745 when the collapse started.

"Some of the dirt started to erode and they realized they had an unsafe situation," said Capt. Gregg Harris, Indianapolis Fire Department spokesman.

Theobald was inside, trying to finish his pizza, when a construction worker rushed in. That worker went back to the kitchen and told the cook to get out because the dirt had slid from under the floor outside. He also warned everyone else to get out.

"A minute later, the kitchen collapsed," said Theobald. "It sounded like an earthquake. When we got out, the whole back of the building had collapsed."

The cook came the closest to getting hurt because he was working right where the structure slipped, but he got out just in time. Theobald's only loss was his unfinished pizza.

The collapse closed Massachusetts Avenue traffic at College Avenue while Citizens' Gas workers confirmed that natural gas was not leaking from the site.

The fate of the building now lies with building inspectors at the Department of Public Works. They will look at the remains of the structure and decide if it can be repaired, or if all or part of the building needs to be demolished. The federal Occupational Safety and Health Administration also is expected to examine the work site, Harris said.