The Indianapolis Department of Metropolitan Development (DMD) announced a pilot program to transform three vacant east‑side sites into mixed‑use neighborhoods. The effort is designed to give the city a clearer picture of the full housing ecosystem—from renters and buyers to developers and lenders—so future policies can be grounded in real‑world demand.
Three sites, 46 acres of opportunity
The three city‑owned parcels total about 46 acres. They include:
- Black Mountain – a 12‑acre brownfield near Washington Street and Sherman Drive that was remediated last year. A 2022 community vision plan suggested options ranging from multi‑family units to green space and light industrial uses. The site sits along IndyGo’s Blue Line, slated to open in 2028.
- Oaktree Apartments – a 19‑acre lot at 42nd Street and Post Road where a vacant 300‑unit complex was demolished in 2019. A 2021 revitalization study called the property a “blank canvas.” Roughly 40 % of surveyed residents said townhomes are their preferred housing type. The parcel is adjacent to IndyGo’s Purple Line, which began service in 2024.
- Former Indiana Women’s Prison – a 15‑acre site near Michigan and State streets transferred to the city in 2024. A 2025 Urban Land Institute report highlighted its potential for both housing and small‑scale retail.
While no exact construction schedule has been set, DMD officials say it is realistic for some building activity to start in 2027.
Gathering input from both sides of the market
“This is not another study or another plan that sits on a shelf,” said Megan Vukusich, director of the department, during an August budget hearing. The agency will first hold meetings with developers, lenders and other supply‑side stakeholders, facilitated by Fort Wayne‑based consulting firm Club 720. Those discussions aim to surface opportunities and challenges that developers face when building new housing.
In parallel, DMD will launch an in‑depth resident survey that has not yet gone live. The questionnaire will ask about affordability, desired bedroom counts, and timing for moving or purchasing a home. Deputy director Jennifer Fults emphasized that renter and buyer feedback has been a “missing piece” in past development efforts. She added that better data should give developers confidence that the homes they build will meet real demand.
Why the pilot matters for Indy families
Indianapolis has struggled with a shortage of affordable, family‑friendly housing. By testing mixed‑use concepts on these three sites, the city hopes to create neighborhoods that combine residential units with retail and community amenities—an approach that aligns with traditional family values and supports local economies.
Both Black Mountain and Oaktree Apartments are positioned near expanding public‑transit corridors, offering residents convenient access to jobs and services without relying on cars. The former prison site, with its sizable footprint, could accommodate a blend of housing types and small businesses, fostering walkable, family‑oriented communities.
Next steps
The department will continue to solicit ideas from developers and the public over the coming months. Once feedback is compiled, DMD plans to issue a request for proposals that outlines preferred mixed‑use configurations for each parcel. The city hopes the pilot will serve as a model for future redevelopment projects across Indianapolis.
Mirror Indy, a nonprofit newsroom, funded by grants and donations, reported the announcement. For more information, readers can contact DMD directly or follow upcoming public meetings scheduled by the department.
Original reporting: Mirror Indy — read the source article.
