Indianapolis Development News

[Wu-Gambino]

Old thread was getting too big, so here's a new one.

Link to the previous thread: http://www.skyscrapercity.com/showthread.php?t=569666

[arenn]

Yee-Haw!

[IndyTypeGuy]

Originally Posted by arenn

Yee-Haw!

You need to repost your China rail story that got sucked up into the archive without an opportunity for replies.

[arenn]

Since we have a new thread, I'd like to throw out a thought I've had for a while. Namely, that it might be possible to tell a lot about a city by the quality of its message board discussions. I read a heckuva lot of city discussions. Posters usually fall into one of two camps:

- Boosters who have blinders on about their city
- Haters

One thing I've noticed about this board and even other places like the IBJ is that there tends to be a more nuanced view. You don't find very many chamber of commerce style boosters. But while there are haters, they mostly populate the likes of the indystar forums and are easily avoided.

I actually think Indy has the best, most honest, self-aware message board I've seen. Let's face it, there's a lot that needs improvement in this town. But I think everyone senses the possibilities here of what could be. And knows that this is a town with a future, unlike way too many other places.

Someone said something to me yesterday that brings home to me that we seem to have taken a bit of a sour turn here though. I think a lot of that is because of the economy, when so many projects seem stalled or dead. But there is still a lot of good in the city, and lot of great things happening, especially compared to so many other places.

So in that light, I was going to put out a call for a "roll call" of the good stuff happening locally. It isn't all stupendous news, but it's all good news or real signs of progress.

- Indy is the #1 major city in the Midwest for population growth
- Indy is the #1 major city in the Midwest for domestic in-migration
- Indy's economy is faring comparatively well in the downtown, as we add jobs while the nation as a whole loses them.
- Indy just built the best airport in the United States. You heard me. I don't think it's perfect, but it is the best domestic airport I've ever been too. The jury is still out on operations and the cutover, but this has the looks of a major game changer.
- Indy just built the most environmentally friendly airport _in_the_world_. Assuming the LEED certification comes through, would this be the biggest ever LEED certified project? This alone will drive the amount of LEED certified square footage in the city through the roof
- New domed stadium for the Colts that, whatever you think of its merits, it is a big step up from the Hoosier Dome.
- New, doubled in size convention center. The new head of the ICVA came here from Seattle and I think it is a clear mission of his to expand tourism beyond sports and cost-conscious groups. He did great work there so I look forward to the future here
- New, 1,600 room hotel complex with JW Marriott, under construction, with a significantly improved architectural presence
- An emerging cluster of restaurants on E. Washington that can really hopefully start filling in that corridor: Morton's, Fogo, Adobo, Dunkin, and soon Scotty's Brewhouse. All but Morton's are brand new.
- An art museum that finally seems to get it. The place is really on an upswing, and is making targeted investments to shine in areas like conservation (witness the current Lilly grant to that department)
- The Indy Cultural Trail - a totally unique, world class amenity that is getting international press
- A robust and growing Latino community, as evidenced by the city's first foreign consulate from Mexico (something Louisville, Cincinnati, St. Louis and Columbus don't have).
- Other growing ethnic groups like the Sikh cluster are boosting the city's international population mix

This is just what I came up with off the top of my head.

[hoosier]

Originally Posted by arenn

Since we have a new thread, I'd like to throw out a thought I've had for a while. Namely, that it might be possible to tell a lot about a city by the quality of its message board discussions. I read a heckuva lot of city discussions. Posters usually fall into one of two camps:

- Boosters who have blinders on about their city
- Haters

One thing I've noticed about this board and even other places like the IBJ is that there tends to be a more nuanced view. You don't find very many chamber of commerce style boosters. But while there are haters, they mostly populate the likes of the indystar forums and are easily avoided.

I actually think Indy has the best, most honest, self-aware message board I've seen. Let's face it, there's a lot that needs improvement in this town. But I think everyone senses the possibilities here of what could be. And knows that this is a town with a future, unlike way too many other places.

Someone said something to me yesterday that brings home to me that we seem to have taken a bit of a sour turn here though. I think a lot of that is because of the economy, when so many projects seem stalled or dead. But there is still a lot of good in the city, and lot of great things happening, especially compared to so many other places.

So in that light, I was going to put out a call for a "roll call" of the good stuff happening locally. It isn't all stupendous news, but it's all good news or real signs of progress.

- Indy is the #1 major city in the Midwest for population growth
- Indy is the #1 major city in the Midwest for domestic in-migration
- Indy's economy is faring comparatively well in the downtown, as we add jobs while the nation as a whole loses them.
- Indy just built the best airport in the United States. You heard me. I don't think it's perfect, but it is the best domestic airport I've ever been too. The jury is still out on operations and the cutover, but this has the looks of a major game changer.
- Indy just built the most environmentally friendly airport _in_the_world_. Assuming the LEED certification comes through, would this be the biggest ever LEED certified project? This alone will drive the amount of LEED certified square footage in the city through the roof
- New domed stadium for the Colts that, whatever you think of its merits, it is a big step up from the Hoosier Dome.
- New, doubled in size convention center. The new head of the ICVA came here from Seattle and I think it is a clear mission of his to expand tourism beyond sports and cost-conscious groups. He did great work there so I look forward to the future here
- New, 1,600 room hotel complex with JW Marriott, under construction, with a significantly improved architectural presence
- An emerging cluster of restaurants on E. Washington that can really hopefully start filling in that corridor: Morton's, Fogo, Adobo, Dunkin, and soon Scotty's Brewhouse. All but Morton's are brand new.
- An art museum that finally seems to get it. The place is really on an upswing, and is making targeted investments to shine in areas like conservation (witness the current Lilly grant to that department)
- The Indy Cultural Trail - a totally unique, world class amenity that is getting international press
- A robust and growing Latino community, as evidenced by the city's first foreign consulate from Mexico (something Louisville, Cincinnati, St. Louis and Columbus don't have).
- Other growing ethnic groups like the Sikh cluster are boosting the city's international population mix

This is just what I came up with off the top of my head.

There definitely is a lot to like about Indy. I live up in NW Indiana but desperately want to move back to good ol' Naptown.

Yes there are problems but we need to embrace them as challenges and tackle them head on.

[CorrND]

That new cluster of restaurants at Pennsylvania/Virginia/Washington is really amazing to me. In addition to the one's you listed....ah hell, let's just list everything within one block of that intersection:

Large Chains:

Morton's The Steakhouse
Dunkin' Donuts
Buffalo Wild Wings
Fogo de Chao
Jimmy John's

Small Chains:

Adobo Grill
Mo's A Place for Steaks
Dick's Bodacious BBQ

Local:

Vito's on Penn
Andrus O'Reilly's
Coaches Tavern
King David Dogs

As you said, Scotty's Brewhouse is coming soon and that Argentinian place, Taste of Tango, may be back on as well. That's a lot of restaurants in one place, and most are new within the last year or two.

And regarding the Cultural Trail, they just announced the groundbreaking for the NE corridor next month. That's a (largely) funded on-going project that we can be proud to point to over the next several years, even if no other large projects come on board.

[DXZcam22]

Don't forget the Corner Bistro/Coffee Shop inside the Flagstar Bank Building. Solid sandwiches, great price.

[benjaminooo]

Originally Posted by CorrND

Taste of Tango, may be back on as well.

I walked by here tonight and there was a guy working on the exterior and there was a "now hiring" sign in the window.

I had dinner at Adobo tonight.. pricey, but absolutely delicious! I thought the portions were small, but I'm actually very full. Great portion control!

[CorrND]

I just clicked on page one of this thread by accident and came across this post about restaurants at the Penn/Virginia/Washington intersection. That list was made in October when that area was already rolling impressively. Since then, Scotty's and Taste of Tango opened, plus Pita Pit, Nia's Deli and Blimpies were announced and opened. Plus, DXZcam22 reminded me that there's the Corner Bistro in the Flagstar Bank Building.

The restaurant boom at this intersection has to be considered one of downtown's great success stories of the last year, especially given the state of the economy. The diversity of options -- price points, cuisines, local/chain mixture -- and the level of street life in the area is impressive.

Originally Posted by CorrND

That new cluster of restaurants at Pennsylvania/Virginia/Washington is really amazing to me. In addition to the one's you listed....ah hell, let's just list everything within one block of that intersection:

Large Chains:

Morton's The Steakhouse
Dunkin' Donuts
Buffalo Wild Wings
Fogo de Chao
Jimmy John's

Small Chains:

Adobo Grill
Mo's A Place for Steaks
Dick's Bodacious BBQ

Local:

Vito's on Penn
Andrus O'Reilly's
Coaches Tavern
King David Dogs

As you said, Scotty's Brewhouse is coming soon and that Argentinian place, Taste of Tango, may be back on as well. That's a lot of restaurants in one place, and most are new within the last year or two.

And regarding the Cultural Trail, they just announced the groundbreaking for the NE corridor next month. That's a (largely) funded on-going project that we can be proud to point to over the next several years, even if no other large projects come on board.

[aavmarine]

Does anyone know if city planned on moving the railroad next to the new CC? Just asking, because in the SB 2012 video it was not there.

[IndyBob]

Originally Posted by aavmarine

Does anyone know if city planned on moving the railroad next to the new CC? Just asking, because in the SB 2012 video it was not there.

At one time, the Convention Center was advocating removal of the railroad line because it impeded future expansion plans. Lilly also wanted (still wants?) the line removed because they wanted to tie their Faris Campus with the main campus. The City did not cave in to these "requests." I don't believe their is any current movement to remove the rail lines.

Removal of a grade-separated rail line into downtown would be one of the biggest planning blunders the City could make.

Refusal to use Union Station as a light rail/commuter rail station downtown would also be a huge mistake.

What is amazing is that the previous Convention Center management could not see the benefit of having a transit station/hub nearby. Or that Lilly could not see the marketing potential of having a future station at McCarty St.

[arenn]

Welcome to the board, Will

[houseofcors]

As a frequent reader to this blog, I have found interesting, insightful and "out of the box" comments from the regular contributors. This is obviously the most active of the midwest devo blogs as well. Another sign of the concern and thoughtfulness of Indy thought leaders. Keep it coming.

[arenn]

Here it is. Keep in mind this is Australian dollars, but it is still north of $250 billion.

http://www.news.com.au/story/0,27574...-38197,00.html

China to invest A$445bn in rail system

From correpondents in Beijing

CHINA will invest nearly $A445 billion in its overburdened rail system as a stimulus measure aimed at blunting the impact of the global financial crisis.
The investment is part of plans to extend the country's railway network from the current roughly 125,502km to nearly 160,900km by 2010, Shanghai's Oriental Morning Post reported.

The Beijing News quoted a rail official as saying that, while the network needed extending, the massive investment was also intended to help lift the nation's economy as it suffers amid the global woes.

"New rail investment will become a shining light in efforts to push forward economic growth," railway ministry spokesman Wang Yongping said.

China's economy recorded its slowest growth in five years at 9.0 per cent in the third quarter of 2008.

The situation has looked increasingly dire in recent days with export-dependent factories closing and laying off thousands of workers, with warnings from industry heads of much worse to come.

The China Daily newspaper said the rail
investment plan had been approved by the State Council. About 1.2 trillion yuan ($A252 billion) had already been allocated, it said.

The paper quoted a government policy adviser saying the plan was similar to China's successful strategy for warding off the Asian financial crisis of the late 1990s.

"In 1997, we dealt with the Asian financial crisis by stimulating domestic economic growth through investment in the construction of highways," Zheng Xinli said.

"This time the money will go to improving the rail network."

China's railway network is one of the most extensive in the world, but has come under pressure as the nation's economy has boomed, giving millions more the opportunity to travel.

Among them, more than 200 million migrant workers are estimated to have left their homes in the countryside for work in urban or coastal areas.

The vulnerability of the rail network was laid bare last winter when fierce snowstorms crippled

China's transport systems, stranding millions of passengers trying to return to their homes during the peak Chinese New Year travel period.

[IndyTypeGuy]

Originally Posted by arenn

CHINA will invest nearly $A445 billion in its overburdened rail system as a stimulus measure aimed at blunting the impact of the global financial crisis.
The investment is part of plans to extend the country's railway network from the current roughly 125,502km to nearly 160,900km by 2010, Shanghai's Oriental Morning Post reported.

That is exactly the kind of thing this country needs to do. We need to set up a national electrified rail act that basically establishes an interstate electrified rail network much the way the highway system was built decades ago. It would give our economy a much needed shot in the arm. It would also revive the rust belt. It would give us a much greener form of transportation and shipping.

It is time we start investing in assets for this country.

[hoosier]

Originally Posted by arenn

Here it is. Keep in mind this is Australian dollars, but it is still north of $250 billion.

http://www.news.com.au/story/0,27574...-38197,00.html

China to invest A$445bn in rail system

It's a shame our political leaders fail to understand the positive economic benefits stemming from infrastructure investment.

Increased infrastructure investment is crucial to turn this economy around as well as to repair our existing aging infrastructure.

And a good portion of increased infrastructure investment should go towards rail. HSR throughout the United States as well as more money for local and regional public transit systems will spur the economy, reduce air pollution, and curb sprawl.

[arenn]

Here's some more good news. Indy absolutely needs at least one major intermodal terminal. Our local economic development officials sure ain't dumb. They are on the case. It may not all work out the way they want, but I'm sure it won't be for lack of effort. Hendricks County needs to get that Ronald Reagan Parkway done - fully four laned between I-70 and I-74, ready for heavy trucks. At a minimum, they need to finish the bridge up to Rockville Rd.

I realize this is the burbs, but this is important. Imagine the rail yard, the interstate, and the airport all together, with all that industrial space, and an excellent interconnection road in RR Parkway. That's goodness the city needs.

http://www.indianaeconomicdigest.net...rticleID=44040

New rail route connects Hendricks County to West Coast

Indianapolis Business Journal

By Sam Stall, Special to IBJ

A new rail route launched last month between Los Angeles and CSX's Avon rail yard could give a further boost to Hendricks County's booming warehousing-and-distribution industry.

The county already hosts some 29 million square feet of warehouse space. However, it lacked a direct connection to the teeming Port of Long Beach in Los Angeles, a major gateway for U.S./ Asian trade. Anyone in the Hendricks County area wishing to send or receive goods from that port by rail had to first truck them to Chicago.

"Chicago has become a huge bottleneck," said David Holt, vice president of operations and development for Conexus Indiana, the state's advanced manufacturing and logistics initiative.

"It's a three-hour drive to get there, and maybe your drivers have to wait a day or two because the cargo can't be unloaded immediately. You can imagine the money lost by companies that have to pick up their products in Chicago."

The new route provides five-day-aweek service from Los Angeles to Avon. Union Pacific trains are loaded on the West Coast and travel to St. Louis, where the cargo is transferred onto CSX Corp. trains bound for the CSX rail yard. The Avon facility serves as an intermodal terminal-a facility for switching large containers between railroad cars and trucks.

"When you have a direct pipeline from the West Coast, where you have the majority of intermodal containers coming in, this is a connectivity we've never had before," said Jody Peacock, director of corporate affairs for the Ports of Indiana. "It has tremendous potential to cut supply-chain costs for Indiana companies and to provide a huge economic development incentive for companies looking at locating here."

The business case for direct intermodal service to Avon seems cut-and-dried. Chicago-famously called a "Player with Railroads and the Nation's Freight Handler" by poet Carl Sandburg-is still the region's freight hub, albeit a congested and overstretched one. The opportunity to create a West Coast bypass through the Avon yard, which already has the ability to efficiently move large numbers of containers from trains to trucks, seemed like a good fit.

"The thing about the Avon facility is that they already have the capacity to do 100,000 lifts [transfers of containers from trains to trucks, and vice versa] per year without any investment," Holt said.

In theory, the facility could increase its capacity to 500,000 lifts, making it comparable to Columbus, Ohio's Rickenbacker Intermodal Terminal, an alternative to Chicago for shipments coming from the East Coast.

"They're kind of the East Coast bypass route," Holt said. "It would be great if we could have a West Coast bypass route around Chicago as well."

Applying pressure

Even so, decision-making in the railroad industry is typically glacial. Until recently, the deliberation on the Avon yard was no exception.

"I've been in this position for a year and I've heard this project has been discussed for a very long time by my predecessor and even before him," said Cinda Kelly, executive director of the Hendricks County Economic Development Partnership.

A recent push by some of the area's biggest players in logistics-including developer Duke Realty Corp. and retailer TJX Cos.-helped cajole Jacksonville, Fla.-based CSX and Omaha, Neb.-based Union Pacific Railroad to seal the deal.

TJX has an 800,000-square-foot HomeGoods warehouse in Brownsburg, as well as warehouses for other divisions in Evansville and South Bend. The Brownsburg facility expects to receive at least 70 rail containers a week via the new route.

The new pipeline will give economic development leaders another strength to tout as they attempt to lure additional logistics companies to the area. The county already boasts strong highway connections and proximity to Indianapolis International Airport.

But community leaders aren't satisfied yet. The Hendricks County Economic Development Partnership still wants a direct route from the West Coast, one that doesn't require transferring cargo in St. Louis.

Heading west

Another challenge is that most runs so far are from Los Angeles to Avon, but not back. The problem is that while the railroads know they can profitably pack their trains full of imported goods bound for the Midwest, they worry about whether they can pick up enough freight in Avon to make the return trip worthwhile.

Conexus is trying to make that case now, by, among other things, polling regional businesses about how much use they might make of an intermodal facility to move their products.

Those companies include firms in the farthest reaches of the southern portion of the state. Trucking their goods to Avon would be a haul. But in theory it would be infinitely preferable to driving all the way to Chicago. Firms that now ship mostly by truck also are being polled.

"Some maybe just go ahead and truck everything because they don't want to worry about those delays in Chicago," Holt said. "There's a lot of new business that we believe is out there and that would ship from [Avon]."

Brad Hurt, president of Urban Initiatives LLC, a Crawfordsville-based economic development consulting firm, thinks the intermodal service could accelerate a trend already developing among the region's big-box distributors-valueadded manufacturing.

"Almost all of these distribution centers are more than just four walls and 50-foot ceilings," Hurt said. "I think the logical evolution is taking various components that come in from other places and assembling or repackaging them in ways that add value."

[arenn]

benjamin, I second the Adobo. Great fish tacos and a great seviche bar. This is actually a good place to just sit at the bar and nosh.

I'm trying out Euphoria (the new upstairs place in Buggs Temple) tomorrow.

[unvrsty07]

CorrND, in your list you provided, wouldnt you think Fogo should be in the small chain category? It is in very few select cities, and what I have seen it is relatively high end....

[CorrND]

Originally Posted by unvrsty07

CorrND, in your list you provided, wouldnt you think Fogo should be in the small chain category? It is in very few select cities, and what I have seen it is relatively high end....

I was just being arbitrary and chose 10 locations as the diving line. Fogo is obviously no TGI Fridays or Applebees. They have 11 US locations -- 12 as of tomorrow when the Miami location opens -- and 6 more in Brazil, so I threw it in the large chain category.

Let me know what you think of Euphoria arenn. I loved the food, though the service had some improvements to make as of last week. I assume they should have that pretty much worked out by now. I think I may give Adobo a whirl tomorrow -- half-price margaritas!