Carmel businesses still recovering after EF1 tornado

CARMEL, Ind. – Along 3rd Avenue in Carmel, Kay Anderson has been working since the beginning of the year to open her dream business.

“It’s a space designed for neurodiverse families to have a haven where they can come and play and access therapy and have all the things that they need for their kiddos,” said Anderson.

Prana Play is a sensory space, so Anderson has been soundproofing the rooms, adjusting the lighting and adding in things like aerial silks for those with sensitivities.

Her nonprofit, Waves of Change Foundation for Neurodiversity, will live alongside Prana Play in the same space.

“Fast and furious construction build out, and we were hoping for a soft launch open May 9, so right around the corner,” she said.

However, the storms on April 2 threw her plans for a loop.

A tarp is now covering up the aftermath of the EF-1 tornado, which ripped the two-story wall off entirely. Along with the side of the building, the garage door was blown away.

“The trees looked like cherry blossoms, they were covered in pink insulation,” said Anderson.

26 days later, the front of the business still has no power.

“I would say that it’s, you know, $20 to $30,000 of cost, along with just the time lost from generating revenue and opening early in May,” she said. “It looks like our timeline’s probably pushed back three to four months.”

Anderson said there is a chance that Prana Play could open in phases to get the ball rolling. 

She added that the community support has been keeping her hopeful for a successful launch when everything is complete.

“The city’s been great, like they offered to clean up and take bigger items away in, you know, they’ve been really open and supportive and trying to help guide me to different resources, so I’m really grateful for that,” said Anderson.

The city announced that April 30 will be the last day for curbside debris pick-up for those who need it.

If you are interested in donating to the nonprofit to help rebuild, click here.