Indianapolis Metropolitan Development Commission approves city’s purchase of downtown heliport

INDIANAPOLIS — The Indianapolis Metropolitan Development Commission voted to clear the path for the city to purchase the downtown heliport at Pearl and New Jersey streets in a move officials said would fuel the city’s “economic growth and success.”

According to the Indianapolis Business Journal, the commission approved the measure allowing Indianapolis Mayor Joe Hogsett’s administration to acquire the 5.4-acre Indianapolis Downtown Heliport for nearly $11 million.

The sale is expected to conclude by Dec. 30 at the latest and demolition could commence next year as officials look to make room for new development on the east side of downtown.

Aliya Wishner, who serves as the communications and policy director for Mayor Hogsett, said the city was “pleased” with the latest approval in the process.

“We’re pleased to see the City’s purchase of the downtown heliport site continue to receive approvals as it moves through the administrative process,” she said. “This site is a key that unlocks the redevelopment of the southeast quadrant of downtown, which has the potential to further our city’s economic growth and success.” 

The vote by the commission allows the city to access nearly $11 million from its downtown tax-increment financing district to help finance the purchase.

This marks the latest development as the city expressed its interest in bringing a Major League Soccer club to downtown Indianapolis and housing a soccer-specific stadium at the site of the decommissioned heliport. In July, the Capital Improvement Board issued a Request for Proposals related to the construction of the proposed stadium, which could cost an anticipated $225 million.