Indy Planning for Former Oaktree Apartments Site

Tuesday, April 13, 2021 04:04 PM EDT Updated: Wednesday, April 14, 2021 09:16 AM EDT
By Mary Roberts, Writer/Reporter
Indy Planning for Former Oaktree Apartments Site Oaktree Apartments in Indianapolis were demolished in 2019 (photo courtesy of WFYI)

Indianapolis Mayor Joe Hogsett and City-County Councillor La Keisha Jackson have announced that the city is starting the planning process for the redevelopment of the former Oaktree Apartments site. The city has tapped Indy-based Meticulous Design + Architecture and the DAVID RUBIN Land Collective to lead the master planning process for the 19-acre site on the city’s far east side.

Meticulous Design + Architecture is a Black-owned firm that specializes in civic architecture. The city says the firm will lead the process of partner, resident, and wider community engagement strategy throughout the planning process.

“We are thrilled for the opportunity to partner with Far Eastside residents, the City of Indianapolis, Councillor Jackson, and the many area stakeholders on the Oaktree Site Redevelopment Master Plan,” said Damon Hewlin, principal of Meticulous Design + Architecture. “Alongside the DAVID RUBIN Land Collective, our firms will jointly lead the team in a comprehensive and heartfelt engagement with the community to ensure the outcomes of this project are a direct reflection of resident voices and serve as a catalyst for inclusive redevelopment and an improved quality of life for the Far Eastside.”

The plan, which will guide the future development of the site, is expected to be completed later this year.

“The Oaktree property plagued the Far Eastside for far too long,” said Jackson. “I was proud to support our community during the years of hard work, advocacy, and collaboration it took for the City to gain ownership of the site and demolish what had become a hazard to this neighborhood’s wellbeing, and now I look forward to working with our partners, residents, and stakeholders on a redevelopment plan that will support the bright future the Far Eastside deserves.”

Last year, the city says it released a Request for Qualifications to look for qualified vendor teams to develop a master plan that will provide a comprehensive vision for revitalization and an implementation plan for the site.