City puts out requests for affordable housing ideas

Requests are out for neighborhood development ideas for three city-owned properties in Indianapolis. The call-out to developers emphasizes a need for affordable housing.

The three sites are all in neighborhoods that have experienced disinvestment in recent years.  City-owned brownfields have been targeted for redevelopment in the Martindale-Brightwood neighborhood. 

“We are committed to a neighborhood development strategy to keep all residents moving forward. Whether through affordable housing opportunities or creative commercial development, we’re working to expand opportunity in Indianapolis neighborhoods,” Indianapolis Mayor Joe Hogsett said in a statement.

The first request is for an old bakery site mentioned in vision plans for the Near Northeast side community undergoing rapid change with the Monon improvement project.

The Department of Metropolitan Development is in charge of finding reuse ideas as part of the city's affordable and equitable housing strategy.

The other properties are on the Near Westside and the Near Eastside. 

The Sherman Park site requests ideas for four acres of the 50 acre site that once housed the old RCA plant. The property continues to undergo environmental improvement. 

The last properties are located in Central State. Other areas of that Near Westside redevelopment project have successfully integrated historical buildings with entertainment and recreation, affordable housing and education.

Proposals are due in the coming months.