2 housing developments underway in central Indianapolis INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) — Two new affordable housing developments are underway in central Indianapolis. The Indy Health District and its partners have come together to address the lack of housing, an issue community members say they need. At the corner of 22nd and Meridian streets, builders plan to turn a pile of rubble into M22, the name for 116 affordable rental apartments. Neighbors said it’s exciting, a sign of big things to come. Marvin “Scissorhands” Taylor, the owner at the nearby All in the Wrists Barbershop, said, “I’ve been over here for about 30 years, and it’s been great just watching the changes, so I’m really excited about all the new upcoming things happening. More businesses are coming to the area, so I’m really excited. So hopefully, I’ll be part of those changes, and we can all grow as a community.” Taylor said he’s been hearing for eight years that the existing commercial building was going to be demolished and he’s happy it finally happened. “They have done a remarkable job. Very efficient. It hasn’t been really noisy, just watching it go down. It’s so much lighter over here now.” The M22 rendering shows the complex with apartments, possible storefronts, and common space. Nearby at 22nd and Illinois streets, construction is underway on another project for 26 townhomes and duplexes. Both projects cost $40 million. It was not immediately known when the housing projects will be completed. IU’s Indy Health District launched about a year and a half ago. Its goal is to improve the quality of life for about 1,500 acres across five neighborhoods, including Crown Hill. The health district’s executive director, Jamal Smith, says the life expectancy for people in the area is 66 years old, about 20 years less than someone who lives in Carmel or a similar Indianapolis suburb. “All the investments we are looking to make are targeting that north star. You’ve got to understand that needle is a big needle you’re not going to move overnight, right? It’s five, 10, maybe 20 years of space, but there are opportunities along the way.” ...read more read less