Workforce development housing coming to Meridian Highland area

INDIANAPOLIS — A local nonprofit is breaking ground on a new workforce development housing project.

Near North Development Corporation is partnering with several agencies to bring the vision to life.

At the corner of 22nd and Illinois, longtime resident Patricia Warner said her father used to own a hotel and motor lodge focused on providing lower-income housing to the area.

“It’s not there, but I can turn around, look over there, and still see it,” said Warner.

Now across the street, the Near North Development Corporation hopes to provide that for the community.

First, they must work on environmental remediation to ensure the soil is clean of contaminants.

“The near north side has a long history of dry cleaners, so people wearing a lot of suits back in the 1900s,” said Brian Carman, president of the nonprofit. “Some of the chemicals seep into the ground and this process is all about eliminating that for safe and healthy housing.”

This process can take years to complete, but they’re streamlining it to just three months so they can lay the foundation in January.

The townhomes are meant for anyone making 80 to 120% of the area’s median income.

“We believe in a diverse housing stock to match the diverse incomes that we want to serve,” said Carman.

Residents in the area came to help break ground, including the next-door neighbor All in the Wrists barbershop.

Owner Marvin Taylor grew up in the Meridian Highland area and believes this will give many of his customers a chance to live closer to his shop and downtown.

“It’s an opportunity for people of every income base and every ethnicity to have an opportunity to live over here, so that’s amazing. I’m excited,” said Taylor.

The first three townhomes are expected to be complete by the end of 2025.

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