A new education initiative is set to transform a vacant property into a hub for lifelong learning. The former Larue Carter Campus – a location with rich history in Indianapolis - was built as the United States Veterans Administration Hospital in 1931. This long vacant property on the city’s northwest side now has a new lease on life as part of the Riverside Education Innovation District.
Marian and its partners are beginning work to transform the former Larue Carter Campus into a space for educational programming, workforce development, and wrap around services to support lifelong learning throughout the community.
Ownership has transferred from the State of Indiana to supporting organization Cold Spring Innovation Corporation, a 501(c)3 that will oversee property development. The community may have already noticed lighting, security and groundskeeping needs being addressed.
Daniel J. Elsener, President of Marian University shared, “This innovative hub is dedicated to the dramatic advancement of educational attainment, and ultimately, growth in the economic, social and cultural vibrancy of the neighborhood. As an anchor institution, we bring our unflagging commitment to excellence in learning to walk alongside our neighbors to make the Near Northwest Area an exemplary community here in the city, state and nationally.”
Brandt Construction and Schmidt Associates were selected for the design-build team to lead initial renovations to the original Veterans Administration hospital, which are anticipated to begin this year.
“This project is a testament to the power of collaboration in building stronger communities. Brandt Construction and Schmidt Associates look forward to delivering a space that will serve generations to come," said Chirag Patel, President of Brandt Construction.
Marian University received a $25 million grant from Lilly Endowment Inc. through its initiative, College and Community Collaboration to partially support the development of the Riverside Education Innovation District (REID). With this grant, Marian will work with community partners to elevate the quality of life in the Near Northwest Area in Indianapolis through various educational opportunities and community investments.
Marian is also working with K-12 schools in the area to provide programming and professional development in the Science of Reading. “Supporting literacy and lifelong learning cannot be only a school and teacher-led initiative. It should also be properly resourced and supported by the community. The Riverside Education Innovation District offers tremendous opportunities for our schools and the community as a whole,” said Dr. Lee Ann Kwiatkowski, Vice President of Marian University’s Klipsch Educators College.
To discuss options for your organization on the former Larue Carter campus, contact Chris Creighton with Cold Spring Innovation Corporation at CCreighton@Marian.edu. For more information on the Riverside Education Innovation District, go to Marian.edu/REID.