Massive Medical Center Could Bring Big Benefits
The 130-acre campus would include up to five office buildings.
The founder of a company selected to develop a $500 million brain health center at the former Indianapolis International Airport site says his goal is to create a destination venue and research facility and spark economic development. Athletes Business Network Chief Executive Officer Craig Sanders expects The ABN Global Center for Brain Health to have an annual economic impact of more than $300 million and create thousands of jobs. Plans for the multi-phase development also include a hotel, sports venue, sports-themed entertainment and retail space.
Indianapolis-based Athletes Business Network partners with athletes, business executives and investors to create and grow ABN-branded business ventures. The company says its ventures span a wide range of industries, including real estate, health care, technology, media, hospitality, retail and consumer goods. It hopes to break ground next year.
Sanders, a former U.S. Army Armor Calvary Officer, says the brain research project is personal. "My oldest brother, an Army Ranger, committed suicide at age 39 after exhibiting symptoms of PTSD," says Sanders. "It’s tragic because, if I knew then what I know today, I believe I could save his life."
Dr. Jim Kelly will lead the ABN Global Center for Brain Health. He most recently served as director of the National Intrepid Center of Excellence at the Walter Reed National Military Medical Center. Other buildings planned for the campus include centers focusing on sports performance, dependency and substance abuse, sports medicine and orthopedics and medical technology.
The airport has selected South Bend-based Holladay Properties Inc. to develop the additional 300-400 acres of airport-owned land. IAA Executive Director Mario Rodriguez says the land will likely house light manufacturing and logistics operations.
The IAA issued a Request for Proposals last spring for a master land developer. The board will vote on the proposals at its Friday, February 19th meeting.
Indianapolis Airport Authority Executive Director Mario Rodriguez says hundreds of acres of additional airport-owned land are in good hands as well.
Athletes Business Network Chief Executive Officer Craig Sanders says the development will be a long-term partnership. .