BOS Community Development Corp. helped attract the Cosmopolitan on the Canal and the Canal Gardens condos to the downtown canal.

Press Release

November 25, 2009

After 27 years of successful commercial and residential revitalization of Indiana Avenue and its environs, BOS Community Development Corporation (BOS) will cease operation by the end of this year.

BOS was formed in 1982 by Madame Walker Urban Life Center and Midtown Economic Development & Industrial Corporation (MEDIC) with the support of Flanner House for the purpose of redeveloping/revitalizing the Indiana Avenue area of the city of Indianapolis. This area was once known as the hub for jazz music and African-American culture in Indianapolis.

In making the announcement, president Dorothy Jones stated, “Although projects remain to be addressed, our Board of Directors has decided that BOS has essentially accomplished its mission. BOS’s activities spurred reinvestment in this neighborhood by the private sector, and that is exactly what we desired.” She cited as examples the Cosmopolitan on the Canal, Indianapolis Cultural Trail, Canal Gardens condos and numerous projects at Clarian and IUPUI.

Randy Jones, chairman of the BOS Board of Directors, further stated, “The Board of Directors, staff members, neighborhood residents and the city of Indianapolis have reason to be proud of the enhanced appearance of the historic Indiana Avenue corridor and adjacent areas.”

“BOS has been instrumental in building a foundation for Indiana Avenue and the surrounding area. Their efforts to preserve the legacy of the African-American community and collaborate with university, medical, cultural, residential and downtown partners have made a difference,” noted Tamara Zahn, president of Indianapolis Downtown, Inc.

Among the notable achievements of BOS, Dorothy Jones cited their co-development of 3 office buildings on Indiana Avenue (Walker Plaza located at 719 Indiana Ave., 500 Place located at 501 Indiana Ave. and Stewart Center located at 520 Indiana Ave.), redevelopment of Paca Street into a market rate residential area, partnering with the city of Indianapolis to preserve/redevelop Fayette Street, revitalization of Historic Ransom Place, a highly successful home repair program and recognition of Indiana Avenue as one of six cultural districts in Indianapolis.

The BOS Board of Directors and staff sincerely thank all those who’ve been supportive.

Source: BOS Community Development Corporation