Near West/Great Places 2020

Making the Near West neighborhood a great place

As part of the neighborhood’s steering committee, IU Indianapolis has worked with community partners to improve the quality of life in Near West for many years. Our efforts got a boost when the River West area was chosen for the Great Places 2020 initiative.

Great Places 2020 seeks to transform Indianapolis by revitalizing its neighborhoods. It focuses on four key areas:

Livability—making neighborhoods great places to live
Opportunity—spurring economic growth
Vitality—attracting new residents
Education—improving educational opportunities for all ages

As the anchor institution for the River West area, we helped develop the strategic plan for the neighborhood and are working with community partners to achieve many of the priorities identified in that process.

A concrete outdoor wall with the words River West Art Alley painted on it.

Increasing livability

Plans are in place for new trails and bike lanes and improvements to local parks.

We're also helping to improve access to healthy food, by encouraging the growth of urban gardens through Growing River West, and fitness opportunities through the PARCS program.

More art and cultural activities are being brought to the neighborhood through street festivals and community art programs.

Addressing health disparities

The Fairbanks School of Public Health and Eli Lilly and Company launched the Diabetes Impact Project, a neighborhood-based pilot in three Indianapolis neighborhoods to address the high incidence of diabetes. The $7 million, five-year program is focusing on three Indianapolis neighborhoods with significant health disparities and high rates of diabetes – the Northeast, Northwest and Near West neighborhoods.

A person wearing a red IUPUI shirt faces away from the camera.

Improving education

We’ve expanded our efforts at George Washington Community High School, providing the academic support and resources needed in the school's quest for improved student learning.

We’re also working with Indianapolis Public Schools 46, 49, 63, and 67 to provide students with the community support they need to succeed during school hours and in their home life through a community schools approach.

Adding vitality

All of our efforts will attract people to the area.

In addition, we offered an Anchor Housing Program, which provided employees with incentives to buy or rehabilitate a home in the neighborhoods around campus.

We’re also working with community partners to help area residents repair their homes and clean up blighted areas.

Learn more about our role as an anchor institution

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