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The old Central State rec hall has been renovated into an event space.
Over the past three years the former site of a state run mental hospital in Indianapolis has benefitted from nearly $62 million in redevelopment.
For nearly 150 years the Central State Hospital operated on the city’s west side. When it closed its doors in 1994, vandals targeted the abandoned buildings and the land became overgrown.
On Wednesday, city officials lead a tour of recent redevelopment efforts. Indianapolis Mayor Greg Ballard says the improvements are thanks to a partnership.
"When the city, private developers, nonprofits come together and share a vision magical things can happen," says Ballard.
The tour featured four ribbon cutting stops, including a new public athletics track and field, a road, a group of repurposed historic buildings and a new senior living facility. Other projects like an apartment complex and a charter school have been open on the site for a few years.
Director of the Department of Metropolitan Development, Adam Thies hopes the work helps kick-start revitalization on W. Washington St.
"I think all of these developments and projects that have occurred signal to the real estate that there’s something special going on out here, there’s availability and opportunity out here," says Thies.
Around 50 of the 150 available acres have been developed so far. The site is also home to the Indiana Medical History Museum.
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