City Steps In To Help Save The Drake

The City of Indianapolis will help find a new use for an historic apartment building owned by the Children’s Museum of Indianapolis. 

This past summer, the Children’s Museum announced it would tear down The Drake after failed attempts to find reuse solutions.

Now the city is stepping in to seek ideas for the 1922 eight story, brick, residential structure with many original architectural details.

Director for the Department of Metropolitan Development Emily Mack says the building is located just north of the museum

"It’s a really unique opportunity for us, as the city and the community to really embrace transit oriented development," says Mack. 

Mack says IndyGo's Red Line, which runs in front of The Drake along Meridian Street, helped change the building’s prospects.

"The opportunity to create a variety of engaging human spaces, to create access, to create place, to create value in our community next to our rapid transit stops and along our rapid transit corridor," says Mack. 

Possible reuse options could include a hotel or affordable housing.

Requests for information to assess design and market demands will be accepted through February.