June 29, 2011          

Carson HELPS BREAK GROUND on downtown HOUSING development

Indianapolis Housing Agency, local officials highlight $30 million project

INDIANAPOLIS – Congressman André Carson joined the Indianapolis Housing Agency (IHA) and local officials today to break ground on a $30 million project that will revitalize Lugar Tower in downtown Indianapolis and build a brand new mixed-use, mixed-income development at the tower’s base.

Lugar Tower, a 15-story apartment building housing approximately 200 low-income elderly and disabled residents, has seen little investment since its construction in 1974. That will change with IHA’s “Welcome Home” capital campaign, which invests $15 million to substantially overhaul the tower. Improvements include refurbishing all 224 existing units, increasing ADA accessibility, renovating common areas by adding new computer labs and community kitchen space, and installing new, more energy-efficient lighting and plumbing.

Congressman André Carson lauded the 400 jobs that will be made available through the redevelopment and new construction at Lugar, which is funded in part by federal dollars from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act.

“Creating jobs is our highest priority, and this project puts hundreds of Hoosiers back to work while addressing our desperate need for affordable housing downtown,” said Congressman Carson.

The upgraded Lugar Tower will be joined by a newly constructed apartment building. The $15 million development will be called “The Braxton at Lugar Tower” in honor of Robert Braxton, who served as one of Indianapolis’ first African-American firemen. Braxton joined the Indianapolis Fire Department in 1876 and served as a foreman for Hose Company 9, which was located at 31 W. St. Joseph Street — near the current site of the new apartments.

The Braxton at Lugar Tower will feature 74 one- and two-bedroom units priced for residents with low and moderate incomes. It will include 3,500 square feet of new community space, offering amenities such as a fitness room and business center, that will be available to residents of both locations.

Completion date for both developments is slated for fall of 2012.

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