Pre-Summit Site Tours
The 2025 Summit will offer an opportunity to experience firsthand imaginative spaces and visionary ideas. Registrants will have a choice between four sites to visit that highlight best practice strategies in housing development, collaboration, or local redevelopment. Each stop will provide inspiration and insight into innovative approaches to create and sustain community impact.
What to Expect:
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A 90-minutesite visit and conversation with local expert(s) and peers
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Selected sites will provide best practices in housing development, placemaking, and local redevelopment activities
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Learn from local experts and peers while experiencing firsthand innovative spaces and initiatives that are creating more connected and sustainable communities
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Whether you are a developer, service provider, or community advocate, these site visits offer valuable lessons and fresh perspectives to apply to your work
Site #1: Housing Stability for School Success Breaking the Cycle for Student Mobility |
Join us for an immersive visit to John Boner Neighborhood Center's (JBNC) Housing for School Success (HSSS) program – an innovative model addressing student mobility on the Near Eastside of Indianapolis. Anchored at the Union Apartments, this initiative provides high-quality, affordable housing exclusively for families with children enrolled at Thomas Gregg Neighborhood School. During this visit you’ll hear directly from key stakeholders, program managers, and community partners who have been instrumental in overcoming challenges and sharpening best practices. Discover how this place-based model is transforming outcomes for families and creating lasting community change.
Site #2: Revitalizing Community Through the Arts |
Experience how JBNC is transforming the Near Eastside through 10 East Arts District, a bold initiative that preserves local history, fosters creatives expression, and breathes new life into the 10th street corridor. This program has expanded opportunities for artists while repurposing vacant buildings into vibrant cultural spaces. Through strategic partnerships with Near East Area Renewal and Englewood CDC, JBNC has successfully redeveloped six buildings and helped establish a thriving arts scene in the area. Gain insights from stakeholders, partners, and artists who have been instrumental in overcoming challenges and driving this transformation. Discover how the 10 East Arts District is redefining creative placemaking and community engagement. |
Site #3: Independent Living Community (pronounced muh-ree-chee) |
Discover how The Village of Merici is transforming lives through an innovative housing model designed to support adults with developmental disabilities. Located on the historic Fort Benjamin Harrison Campus in Lawrence, Indianapolis, this redevelopment project provides a uniquely independent community. Where everyone works together to create an environment that promotes self-sufficiency, independence, and meaningful social connections. Learn from the stakeholders, partners, and program leaders who played a key role in bringing the vision to life. Join us to explore how The Village of Merici is advancing inclusive living and creating a lasting impact in the community! |
Site #4:
16 Tech Innovation District Where Bold Ideas Take Shape |
Step into 16 Tech Innovation District, a 50-acre hub of world-changing innovation and economic opportunity. Strategically located near Central Indiana’s leading healthcare, academic, and corporate institutions, this fast-growing district is designed to foster collaboration, entrepreneurship, and advance economic impact. Engage with stakeholders, partners, and creative minds who are shaping the district's growth. Join us to explore how 16 Tech is enhancing innovation and entrepreneurship. |
Summit Opening Reception May 7, 2025 | 5:30 – 7:00 p.m. Eastern | Marriott Indianapolis North Even if you are not able to attend one of our exciting site visits, please plan to join us for the Summit Opening Reception. A few fun activities, a complimentary drink ticket, and light refreshments will offer you the opportunity to unwind, network, and connect with your colleagues and peers. |