Purdue University is expanding its reach by purchasing a property at 518-520 Indiana Avenue.
The university purchased the property to meet the increasing enrollment demands in Indianapolis. Formerly the home of Schultz & Pogue LLP and BrewLogix, the two-story facility will allow the university to “address merging near-term student support and other space needs in Indianapolis,” according to a press release.
“The acquisition of 518-520 Indiana Avenue creates essential space for our students, faculty, staff and neighbors to utilize,” Evan Hawkins, Purdue senior director of administrative operations in Indianapolis, said in a statement. “We are mindful of the tremendous history of the neighborhood, and especially the significance of this particular property.”
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The property at 518-520 is located in the heart of the Indiana Avenue Historic District, facing the Madam Walker Legacy Center. Despite being acquired by the university, the facades and integrity of the historic property will remain intact, according to a press release.
Following the launch of its first urban expansion, Purdue University has remained dedicated to “marbling into Indianapolis” while working and engaging with its neighborhood partners. Although specifics on programming for the building have yet to be determined, a spokesperson from Purdue said they are “being proactive in creating spaces for students, faculty and staff in Indianapolis.”
“Though this property will help us respond to near-term space constraints, we very much look forward to working with our neighbors, community partners and the city to define the long-term vision of this property as well as our future campus vision for Indianapolis,” Hawkins said.
Acquiring the property on Indiana Avenue is just the latest addition to Purdue University’s growing footprint in Indianapolis — the centerpiece of which will be the Academic Success building, which is a projected 248,000-square-foot facility planned for the intersection of Michigan and West streets.
The future building’s groundbreaking ceremony will be held on April 2. It is projected to open in 2027. For more information, visit purdue.edu/campuses/indianapolis.
Contact Arts & Culture Reporter Chloe McGowan at 317-762-7848. Follow her on X @chloe_mcgowanxx.
Chloe McGowan is the Arts & Culture Reporter for the Indianapolis Recorder Newspaper. Originally from Columbus, OH, Chloe graduated with a degree in journalism from The Ohio State University. She is a former IndyStar Pulliam Fellow, and her previous work includes freelancing for Indy Maven, Assistant Arts & Life Editor for The Lantern, and editorial assistant at CityScene Media Group. Chloe enjoys covering all things arts and culture — from local music, visual art, dance, theater and film, as well as minority-owned businesses. In her free time, Chloe enjoys reading, cooking and keeping her plants alive.
