13 WTHR IndianapolisPlans on hold for Indianapolis downtown canal high-rise

Plans on hold for Indianapolis downtown canal high-rise

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INDIANAPOLIS -

A Valparaiso developer who wants to build a controversial 26-story student housing complex on the downtown canal has asked for more time to rework the plan.

The Metropolitan Development Commission agreed to continue the hearing set for Wednesday until March 21st.

Investment property advisors plans call for a 485-unit apartment building on a 1.5 acre site at West 9th Street and the canal. It would be a $94 million investment.

Chad Sorrick with IPA said it's aimed at nearby IUPUI students and would be of high quality.

Opponents say that may be so, but worry the building itself is too high. At 26 stories it would be the same height as the City-County Building.

The mayor's office, which agrees with opponents that the building is too tall and large for the canal, has asked the developer to downsize.

An attorney for Sorrick said they had just begun discussions with city officials. He said they were would study the options and return with a proposal next month.