Central State site coming back to life - 13 WTHR Indianapolis

An Indianapolis neighborhood where the old Central State hospital sat vacant for years is finally coming back to life.

A bird's eye view from Chopper 13 reveals a sprawling development rising toward the sky on West Washington Street between North Tibbs and Warman Avenues.

Below, steeples crown each entry where new residents hope to call the grounds of the Old Central State Hospital home.

"Oh, they're beautiful, they are gorgeous," said Grace Phillips as she stood in front of Steeples on Washington."

It's a 144-unit affordable housing complex.  Rents range between $499 and $699 a month. The new buildings are bringing life back to the site of one of Indiana's most storied mental health facilities.

"No, I can't believe it. I've heard rumors also about what used to go on at Central State," said retiree Beverly Jones. Jones and her best friend Grace Phillips, both grew up on the west side. They want to be among the first to move on from the past and move in.

They are not alone.

"We're already leased up to almost 90 of our 144 apartments. So the interest is there," said Sharon Bianchi, the Property Manager of Steeples on Washington.

One-, two- and three-bedroom units are surrounded by mature trees, green fields and dormitories from the old haunts.

The doors at Central State have been closed for years, yet the stories linger on. Developers say they plan to take the positives and move forward into the future and that includes renovating some of the old buildings.

"A lot of the history will be incorporated into this overall development. It's a very important part of it," explained Bianchi. "No matter what may have happened here, we're progressing, we're moving forward in a positive way and I think that's the main thing to remember," she said.

Renters must meet certain income requirements to live here, where they'll have access to a clubhouse, work out facility and computer room.

"I like all the amenities they have here, like the pool for one. They've got the playground if you have the grandkids over or something," added Jones.

Developers say it's just the start of something good. Grounds once abandoned and dilapidated are transforming into a symbol of hope.

Applications are now being accepted. The first units are expected to be ready this fall.