A proposed data center in Indianapolis’ Martindale-Brightwood is moving into its next phase after the Metropolitan Development Commission approved a rezoning request for the site at 2505 N. Sherman Drive.
The project, led by Metrobloks, would transform a long-vacant, roughly 14-acre property — formerly home to the Sherman Drive-In theater — into a data center facility. The site has remained largely unused for decades, making redevelopment a key point for city leaders and developers.
Indianapolis City-County Councilman Ron Gibson, who represents District 8, expressed support for the commission’s decision in a statement following the approval.
“The Commission’s role is to evaluate projects based on land use standards, and it’s important that every project is reviewed fairly and consistently,” Gibson said. “This project met those standards, and I support the Commission’s decision to approve the rezoning for the Metrobloks project.”
The development has been framed by supporters as an economic opportunity. According to Gibson, the project already includes a $2.5 million commitment to the Martindale-Brightwood community, with estimates suggesting at least $20 million in additional investment could follow.
“Metrobloks has the potential to bring significant investment, create jobs, and generate long-term tax revenue that supports infrastructure, housing, and essential services,” Gibson said.
Previous reporting indicates the facility could create dozens of jobs and generate millions in annual property tax revenue for the city.
Still, the proposal has sparked ongoing debate. For months, residents and community groups have raised concerns about environmental safety, land use and whether the development will deliver meaningful benefits to the historically Black neighborhood.
State Rep. Gregory W. Porter (D-Indianapolis), who spoke at the April 1 commission meeting on behalf of residents, sharply criticized the decision.
“This is a slap in the face to the Martindale-Brightwood community. They did what they’re supposed to do: contacted their local officials, protested, and spoke in one voice. Residents worked diligently to add a quality-of-life plan to the proposal. But they were ignored,” Porter said.
“Profits cannot come before people. Economic development shouldn’t come at the expense of working families’ well-being. Big tech oligarchs shouldn’t be the ones rapidly reshaping our local communities.
“We know little about the environmental impact, little about the impact on utilities and whether residents will even benefit from these new jobs. Already high electric bills could get even higher. As elected officials, we have an obligation to stand with our people. We have an obligation to protect our communities from profit-driven developers whose sole allegiance is to shareholders.
“Indy’s eastside deserves thoughtful, community-focused development, not speculative projects that offer limited benefits and long-term consequences.”
Despite opposition, city officials note the property’s long history of disuse as a driving factor in moving the project forward.
“This site has remained underutilized for years, and today’s action is an important step toward bringing it back into productive use in a way that benefits both the surrounding neighborhood and our city,” Gibson said.
Gibson also indicated he will not call the proposal down for further review when it comes before the full City-County Council, allowing the project to advance.
“As the district councilor, when this petition comes before the full Council, I do not intend to call it down,” he said. “This approval allows us to move into the next phase, making sure the project delivers real, measurable benefits.”
As the development progresses, Gibson said he plans to focus on accountability.
“I will continue working to ensure those commitments are meaningful, enforceable, and directly benefit residents,” he said.
The Metrobloks proposal represents a broader conversation in Indianapolis about balancing economic development with community concerns, particularly in neighborhoods that have historically faced environmental and infrastructure challenges.
This is an ongoing story and will be updated as new information comes to light.
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/
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.
