Development along the White River includes state park expansion

A long awaited expansion of the White River State Park is being realized as numerous projects along the banks of the river come together in a flurry of development.

On one side of the White River, a new multi-use bridge that will extend the Cultural Trail is being built. On the other side, construction of the global headquarters for animal health company Elanco is nearing completion.

The west side river site is in a neighborhood known as the Valley. The area where the park is being expanded has sweeping views of downtown along the banks of the White River.

President of the Valley Neighborhood Association Jay Napoleon said the neighborhood is linked to the White River and its history.

“We have not always been the best caretaker to this urban natural resource. This reality has led to the perception that any great, important development can’t or shouldn’t happen,” Napoleon said.

The park project marks the first major expansion of the White River State Park since it was developed in the 80’s and 90’s.

Indianapolis Mayor Joe Hogsett said the state park sees millions of visitors every year and is a vital part of downtown Indianapolis.

“This expansion will further deepen its roots in our community,” Hogsett said.

The park expansion site lies on the front door of the old GM stamping plant that closed in 2011. An economic agreement between the city, state and Elanco has been in the works since 2020 after years of failed development plans.

A skeleton structure of the GM plant was saved and will be restored and used as a community and event center in the park. Indiana Governor Eric Holcomb said it’s exciting to see it all come together.

“There’s very few projects on a scale like this where you get to convert something that was abandoned into an asset or you get to convert something that was ignored into something now included,” Holcomb said.

A $30 million dollar grant from the Lilly Endowment supports the expansion project. Outdoor assets in the park plans include extended trails, a riverfront theater and art installations. 

The former GM site is being rebranded as a new health innovation district. Besides Elanco, Purdue University has committed to building on the property.

Contact WFYI city government and policy reporter Jill Sheridan at jsheridan@wfyi.org.