INDIANAPOLIS — Demolition is planned for a historic former Marion County Jail, Indianapolis Mayor Joe Hogsett and city officials announced on Thursday.
According to a press release, Mayor Hogsett joined Councilor Kristin Jones and Visit Indy to state Marion County Jail 1’s demolition will begin by end of the year.
Per the city, the jail's closure will create new opportunities for downtown development. It is also a direct result of Hogsett's efforts to improve criminal justice, the mayor's office said, which fostered the development of the Community Justice Campus that opened in 2022.
“For nearly six decades, Jail 1’s purpose was to serve the Marion County justice system," said Mayor Hogsett. "In a year’s time, this site will be ready for a new purpose: to bring continued revitalization and economic growth to our city’s urban core."
Moreover, Hogsett cited Jail 1's redevelopment as a stepping stone towards building a brighter future for Indianapolis.
Adding onto this, City-County Councilor Kristin Jones called the demolition "...a commitment to our City's future."
"It represents our dedication to safer neighborhoods and vibrant public spaces, and we look forward to the development opportunities this will bring to Downtown Indianapolis," she said.
During the demolition process, pedestrian and road restrictions along Alabama and Maryland Streets will remain in place. According to the press release, the demolition and restrictions are under close work from the city and demolition crews to ensure that they do not interfere with the WNBA All-Star festivities taking place in July.
"It is always exciting when we can point out another transformation happening downtown to prospective meeting decision makers," said Chris Gahl, Visit Indy Executive Vice President and Chief Marketing Officer. "Much like the Bottleworks expansion and the progress at the Signia by Hilton Hotel, this parcel of land is sure to generate enthusiasm among those interested in hosting their conventions in Indianapolis.”
The press release concluded by stating that internal work to prepare for Jail 1's demolition resulted in 695 tons of internal infrastructure being removed to date. In total, the demolition costs nearly $4 million.