16 Tech Developers Seeking Partners
The developers of the first, $30 million facility in the high-profile 16 Tech innovation district in downtown Indianapolis are Thursday hosting another "opportunities" session for potential partner businesses. Browning Davis, a joint venture between Browning Investments LLC and Davis & Associates Inc., says bid packages are expected to be let in October and construction could begin the following month.
Plans for Building One involve a five-story, 120,000 square-foot structure with a mix of primarily lab space, as well as office space and a rooftop patio. It will be the anchor building of 16 Tech and house the Indiana Biosciences Research Institute and the Indiana School of Medicine’s presence. In March, Browning Davis announced plans to construct three buildings on the 60-acre site that could total some $120 million.
Davis & Associates Senior Project Manager Ron Keough says "often by the time some firms hear about opportunities to bid on large projects, the train has already left the station. We’re really trying to get ahead of things and let people know the opportunities are coming and to get ready." Browning Project Manager David McMath says "16 Tech is all about collaboration and opportunity, and we want the construction of it to reflect that we’re collaborating with and providing opportunity for the local community. We’re doing everything we can to involve Marion County firms, and specifically those located in the neighborhoods surrounding 16 Tech."
The July 26 session will run from 5:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. at the Hawthorne Community Center in Indianapolis and the August 30 session will be at the same time but a different location — the Indianapolis Urban League office.