IHA vows to continue with 16 Park housing project - 13 WTHR Indianapolis

Less than a week after fire devastated a construction project, crews once again have access to the site at 16 Park.

Investigators with the Indianapolis Fire and Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Departments determined that the fire was accidental. But it's a big setback for the Indianapolis Housing Authority, which plans an 11-building complex at the location.

IHA thanked investigators as well as the firefighters who responded.

"From their heroic efforts to contain the fire Friday night to their thorough investigation over the last several days, our police and fire personnel have gone above and beyond to keep our residents safe and secure the site in the days after the blaze. Quick action by our police officers and firefighters last Friday ensured this terrible fire didn't become a lasting tragedy. We're here talking about a few buildings being destroyed - not lives. And that's a credit to the brave men and women of IMPD and IFD," said IHA Executive Director Bud Myers.

While investigators don't believe the fire was caused by an arsonist, the cause of the fire still isn't known. IHA says insurance investigators will continue to comb through the site of the fire, and that construction on that portion of the site won't resume until July at the earliest. However, construction on other units will continue.

IHA says there's a huge need for affordable housing in the city. Myers cited one report that said Indianapolis is short 14,000 affordable housing units to meet residents' needs. Myers says the goal is to make all 155 apartments at 16 Park available in 2012.

About 16 Park

16 Park is the centerpiece of a massive, $123 million capital campaign by the Indianapolis Housing Agency aimed at improving local affordable housing communities across Indianapolis. 16 Park will total 155 rental units when all three phases are complete. More than 85 units will be public and Section 8 housing while the balance will be set aside as affordable housing for low-income families and individuals.

Affordable Indy - Learn more about affordable housing in Indianapolis

Residents can also call 1-866-411-7416 to start the leasing process.