In one of the more interesting ballpark-redevelopment efforts to come down the pike in recent years, Indianapolis officials are proposing a renovation of Bush Stadium, the former home of the Indianapolis Indians (Class AAA; International League), into apartments as an attraction for new bioscience firms in the neighborhood.
We alluded to the proposal last weekend, but yesterday Indianapolis officials unveiled the entire plan. The grandstand of the historic 1931 ballpark, which has falled into disrepair in recent years, would be converted to 136 apartments, while 132 more apartments would be built west of the ballpark. Retail/office space could go into the center-field area, depending on demand. The cost: a minimum of $45 million with a cap of $60 million.
The old ballpark infield would be replaced with a paved courtyard designed to look like a baseball diamond. Construction could begin before the end of the year.
The ballpark renovation would be part of a larger development designed to lure bioscience firms to the area. Though Indianapolis has a strong presence in the field, attracting bioscience firms will be a challenges, as the city faces competition from other cities and states. Interestingly, a proposed ballpark in Escondido, Cal. may go by the wayside in favor of a business park designed to attract — you guessed it — bioscience firms.
Bush Stadium was the home of the Indianapolis Indians through 1996, when the team moved to downtown’s Victory Field. It opened in 1931 as Perry Stadium and was renamed Victory Field in 1942 to honor the American war effort. It was later renamed Bush Stadium in 1967 for Indianapolis native and MLB player Donnie Bush.
Images courtesy of Develop Indy.
RELATED STORIES: New plan for old Bush Stadium
—-
Share your news with the baseball community. Send it to us at editors@augustpublications.com.
Subscribers to the weekly Ballpark Digest newsletter see features before they’re posted to the site. You can sign up for a free subscription at the Newsletter Signup Page.
Join Ballpark Digest on Facebook and on Twitter!