Indianapolis marked the completion of the demolition of the Courtyards at Roselawn Park, a vacant complex on the city’s northeast side.
The demolition began in December 2024 after the complex was vacated in 2014 and deemed a risk to public health and safety. The demolition is part of the city’s efforts to address properties that negatively impact the quality of life for residents. Other demolitions have reduced crime and paved the way for revitalization.
“The vacant apartments at Roselawn Park have long been a source of discontent and disappointment for neighbors living on the northeast side,” Mayor Joe Hogsett said. “With demolition now complete on this long-neglected property, the surrounding community can begin to envision a brighter future for themselves.”
The city typically receives an allocation of $1 million for demolition, but the city-county council approved an additional $3 million to continue work across the city.
“For years, residents in my community have expressed concerns about the safety and condition of Roselawn Park,” City-County Councilor Ron Gibson said. “The completion of this demolition is a renewed commitment to revitalizing our neighborhood. I appreciate the City’s investment in making this possible, and I look forward to working with all stakeholders to ensure this site is transformed for the better.”
The cost for the demolition of Roselawn was $385,775. The cost includes asbestos mitigation and drainage review.
The site of the Roselawn apartments is privately owned and plans for redevelopment have not been finalized by the owner. Any future redevelopment would stil need to follow proper approval and permitting processes throughout the city.
For more information about the Department of Business and Neighborhood Services Unsafe Building Program, visit indy.gov.dbns.
This reporting is made possible by a grant from the Indianapolis African-American Quality of Life Initiative, empowering our community with essential health insights. https://iaaqli.org/
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Contact Health & Environmental Reporter Hanna Rauworth at 317-762-7854 or follow her on Instagram at @hanna.rauworth.
Hanna Rauworth is the Health & Environmental Reporter for the Indianapolis Recorder Newspaper, where she covers topics at the intersection of public health, environmental issues, and community impact. With a commitment to storytelling that informs and empowers, she strives to highlight the challenges and solutions shaping the well-being of Indianapolis residents.
