Demolition resumes on 8 buildings at troubled Towne and Terrace housing complex
Dec 16, 2024
INDIANAPOLIS -- Demolition recently resumed at the long-troubled and largely dilapidated Towne and Terrace housing complex on the northeast side of Indianapolis.
After years of neglect and a decade-long legal battle, which led to an increase in crime on the property. Eight buildings at Towne and Terrace are being knocked down after the city helped relocate 100 households.
"This opportunity we were given is life changing for all of us," said the property's HOA president Liz Durden.
Durden lived at Towne and Terrace for more than 30 years, but as violence and homicides around her home began to escalate in recent years, she agreed the demolition became necessary.
City leaders insist with each building that's removed, the city becomes a lot safer.
"This demolition is about more than removing buildings. It's about restoring hope," said state senator and former city-county councilperson La Keisha Jackson.
From acquiring properties, relocating residents and now demolition, the city has budgeted more than $14 million to removing the blighted property.
"It is a huge investment that demonstrates the city's commitment to the far east side," said Indianapolis Mayor Joe Hogsett.
In April 2023, the city tore down the first building on the property. Since that time, police say murders, robberies, assaults and shots fired incidents all began to drop.
In fact, total runs to the property have been cut in half since 2020. That drop has freed up a lot of police patrols.
"It's a huge benefit when it's a location we don't have to continually send our officers to," said IMPD east district commander Mike Leepper.
After the eight buildings are demolished, 23 more remain standing with around 20 households still needing to be relocated.
The property’s HOA president encourages all remaining residents to accept the city’s buyout.
"The value we received is way more than I ever dreamed of," said Durden. "Relocation is amazing. It just takes a while to get settled in."
As for a long-term timeline, the goal is to have all the buildings on this property torn down by early 2026.
The city currently owns 239 of the 258 parcels at Towne and Terrace. Many of the remaining 19 parcels are vacant and have yet to be acquired from private owners.
Once demolition of the entire site is complete, the community-involved redevelopment process that began following the demolition of the nearby Oaktree Apartments will continue to move forward.
“Today marks a significant milestone in our efforts to enhance the quality of life for residents in the Far Eastside,” said City-County Councilor Rena Allen, District 15. “By prioritizing their safety and well-being, we are not only addressing past challenges but also paving the way for a revitalized community that offers hope and opportunity for all."
According to the city's news release, the city hired a team of experts to oversee the acquisition of all remaining non-city-owned property and the relocation of eligible residents, following the standards outlined by the Federal Uniform Relocation Act. In addition to providing financial assistance for moving expenses and payment to purchase or rent a different home, DMD’s community engagement specialist helps connect eligible residents with community resources such as workforce programs, health services, legal support, and more based on their needs to support them through the relocation process and beyond.