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National Catholic group, Brickyard 400 making hotel rooms scarce in Indianapolis this weekend – Indianapolis Business Journal

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National Catholic group, Brickyard 400 making hotel rooms scarce in Indianapolis this weekend – Indianapolis Business Journal


Banners for the National Eucharistic Congress are displayed on the eastern facade of the Indiana Convention Center on Tuesday, July 16, 2024. (IBJ photo/Mickey Shuey)

Downtown Indianapolis hotels are virtually sold out for this weekend, with tens of thousands of Catholics and racing fans set to flock to the city for separate events.

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The National Eucharistic Congress—the first U.S.-wide gathering of Catholics in more than 80 years—is expected to draw as many as 60,000 visitors to the Indiana Convention Center from Wednesday through Sunday, while NASCAR’s Brickyard 400 and related events could draw another estimated 60,000 people to Indianapolis Motor Speedway from Friday through Sunday.

According to tourism agency Visit Indy, about 80% of downtown’s nearly 8,400 hotel rooms will be occupied by the Catholic gathering on Friday and Saturday, the event’s peak nights, with thousands of other rooms being used for the stock car race, which is celebrating its 30th anniversary this year.

“With 60,000 attendees visiting for the National Eucharistic Congress and another 60,000 for the 30th anniversary of the Brickyard 400 at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, this weekend is another example of Indy’s ability to host a wide array of events simultaneously,” Clare Clark, senior communications manager for Visit Indy, said in a written statement. “As Indy prepares for this influx of visitors, hotels are showing strong demand and compression throughout downtown and central Indiana with limited availability remaining.”

The National Eucharistic Congress, which is meant to help Catholics develop a deeper connection to their faith, will use about 27,000 room nights over five days. The organization has contracted with 88 hotels throughout central Indiana for the event.

Tim Glemkowski, CEO of National Eucharistic Congress Inc., said the event was “bumping up against capacity issues” even before the date for the Brickyard race was announced last year. Some attendees are staying at hotels as far as an hour from downtown Indianapolis—a typical occurrence with major events that book Indianapolis, including the National FFA Organization, National Rifle Association and Gen Con.

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Thousands of attendees are also expected to stay at area rental homes through companies like Vrbo and Airbnb, as well as local churches or in university dormitories including Butler University, the University of Indianapolis, Marian University and Indiana University Indianapolis, according to Visit Indy and NEC officials. Several local retreat centers and recreational vehicle areas are expected to be used for the five-day event, too.

  • Indianapolis Archbishop Charles Thompson presided over a welcome service for the National Eucharistic Congress at St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church in downtown Indianapolis on Tuesday, July 16, 2024. (IBJ photo/Mickey Shuey)

  • Hundreds attended a welcome service for the National Eucharistic Congress at St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church in downtown Indianapolis on Tuesday, July 16, 2024. (IBJ photo/Mickey Shuey)

  • Hundreds attended a welcome service for the National Eucharistic Congress at St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church in downtown Indianapolis on Tuesday, July 16, 2024. (IBJ photo/Mickey Shuey)

  • Hundreds attended a welcome service for the National Eucharistic Congress at St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church in downtown Indianapolis on Tuesday, July 16, 2024. (IBJ photo/Mickey Shuey)

  • Indianapolis Archbishop Charles Thompson presided over a welcome service for the National Eucharistic Congress at St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church in downtown Indianapolis on Tuesday, July 16, 2024. (IBJ photo/Mickey Shuey)

  • Hundreds attended a welcome service for the National Eucharistic Congress at St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church in downtown Indianapolis on Tuesday, July 16, 2024. (IBJ photo/Mickey Shuey)

  • Hundreds attended a welcome service for the National Eucharistic Congress at St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church in downtown Indianapolis on Tuesday, July 16, 2024. (IBJ photo/Mickey Shuey)

  • Hundreds attended a welcome service for the National Eucharistic Congress at St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church in downtown Indianapolis on Tuesday, July 16, 2024. (IBJ photo/Mickey Shuey)

  • Hundreds attended a welcome service for the National Eucharistic Congress at St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church in downtown Indianapolis on Tuesday, July 16, 2024. (IBJ photo/Mickey Shuey)

  • Hundreds attended a welcome service for the National Eucharistic Congress at St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church in downtown Indianapolis on Tuesday, July 16, 2024. (IBJ photo/Mickey Shuey)

  • Indianapolis Archbishop Charles Thompson presided over a welcome service for the National Eucharistic Congress at St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church in downtown Indianapolis on Tuesday, July 16, 2024. (IBJ photo/Mickey Shuey)

  • Hundreds attended a welcome service for the National Eucharistic Congress at St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church in downtown Indianapolis on Tuesday, July 16, 2024. (IBJ photo/Mickey Shuey)

  • Hundreds attended a welcome service for the National Eucharistic Congress at St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church in downtown Indianapolis on Tuesday, July 16, 2024. (IBJ photo/Mickey Shuey)

  • Catholics hug during the National Eucharistic Congress welcome service at St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church in downtown Indianapolis on Tuesday, July 16, 2024. (IBJ photo/Mickey Shuey)

  • Indianapolis Archbishop Charles Thompson presided over a welcome service for the National Eucharistic Congress at St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church in downtown Indianapolis on Tuesday, July 16, 2024. (IBJ photo/Mickey Shuey)

  • Hundreds attended a welcome service for the National Eucharistic Congress at St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church in downtown Indianapolis on Tuesday, July 16, 2024. (IBJ photo/Mickey Shuey)

  • Hundreds attended a welcome service for the National Eucharistic Congress at St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church in downtown Indianapolis on Tuesday, July 16, 2024. (IBJ photo/Mickey Shuey)

  • Hundreds attended a welcome service for the National Eucharistic Congress at St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church in downtown Indianapolis on Tuesday, July 16, 2024. (IBJ photo/Mickey Shuey)

  • Hundreds attended a welcome service for the National Eucharistic Congress at St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church in downtown Indianapolis on Tuesday, July 16, 2024. (IBJ photo/Mickey Shuey)

  • Hundreds attended a welcome service for the National Eucharistic Congress at St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church in downtown Indianapolis on Tuesday, July 16, 2024. (IBJ photo/Mickey Shuey)

  • Indianapolis Archbishop Charles Thompson presided over a welcome service for the National Eucharistic Congress at St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church in downtown Indianapolis on Tuesday, July 16, 2024. (IBJ photo/Mickey Shuey)

The last National Eucharistic Congress took place in St. Paul, Minnesota in 1941, less than six months before the U.S. became involved in World War II. The last major international Catholic gathering was held in 1976 in Philadelphia, drawing 1.5 million people over a single week.

Despite lodging restrictions, Glemkowski has said Indianapolis is an ideal spot for the national gathering because of its proximity to a large portion of the U.S. population. The church, he said, is focused on adding to its membership through specific outreach programs, rather than relying solely on individuals predisposed to joining or remaining in the church through cultural traditions or upbringing.

That’s why the church opted against hosting the event in a Catholic hotbed such as Boston, Chicago or Philadelphia, he said.

He said while the event is competing for hotel rooms with the race, Indianapolis Motor Speedway is offering a discounted ticket to Congress participants. There will also be a dedicated seating section for attendees, NEC officials said.

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“Even in these competing moments we’ve still found that Hoosier hospitality to be present,” he said.

On Tuesday, four groups of pilgrims arrived in Indianapolis after separate two-month journeys from different parts of the United States. The groups, which traversed the country largely on foot, hail from San Francisco; Lake Itasca, Minnesota; New Haven, Connecticut; and Brownsville, Texas.

Those journeys drew more than a quarter-million people along their respective routes to offer encouragement and prayer, the organization said. The groups were welcomed to Indianapolis with a church service at St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church, 126 W. Georgia St.

The service, known as a liturgy, was led by Archbishop Charles Thompson, who oversees the Archdiocese of Indianapolis, and included the participation of a representative of Pope Francis.

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Indianapolis, IN

Family seeks justice in deadly hit and run

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Family seeks justice in deadly hit and run


INDIANAPOLIS — An Indianapolis family is seeking justice after their loved one was killed in a deadly hit and run on Friday night.

“To go like this – it took us all by surprise,” Jesus Castro said.

Officers with the Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department responded to the 5100 block of Massachusetts Avenueon reports of a crash at around 8 p.m.

IMPD says the crash resulted in the death of 31-year-old Ivan Castro.

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“Now I look at my phone and there are no more texts – nothing,” Castro’s brother added.

Surveillance video captures the moments the collision happens. Then more than 30 seconds later the Silver Chrysler takes off.

WRTV

“I would love for something to be done about this intersection,” Will Woodrow with 5108 studios said.

Businesses owners and neighbors in the area are calling for changes to the intersection.

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“You can save some lives if somebody puts in a stop light,” Woodrow told WRTV.

 In fact, IMPD data shows Friday’s incident was the second deadly crash at that intersection in 2 years.

RELATED VIDEO | Neighbors remember woman killed in hit-and-run crash

Neighbors remember woman killed in hit-and-run crash

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 “I aimed my cameras at this intersection because there is at least one crash a week and its pretty terrible and I would love for something to be done,” Woodrow added.

Indianapolis Department of Public Works sent WRTV this statement regarding potential changes to the intersection.

The Indianapolis Department of Public Works has no programmed changes to this area in the near future. Due to the nature of the crash and an ongoing investigation, we would defer all inquiries regarding the hit-and-run to IMPD. Once IMPD finishes their investigation, they will pass their findings onto the Fatal Crash Review Team for the city who will examine the incident and post its findings for this location, which will include any potential recommendations of infrastructure changes that Indy DPW could implement at that time.

DPW

IMPD says the case remains under investigation, anyone with information is asked to call crime stoppers at 317-262-TIPS

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Indianapolis, IN

Amid Rumors of Austin Dillon's Cup Series Exit, Richard Childress Brings In Another Grandson for Indianapolis

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Amid Rumors of Austin Dillon's Cup Series Exit, Richard Childress Brings In Another Grandson for Indianapolis


To say that Richard Childress Racing is having a lackluster season would be an understatement. The post Amid Rumors of Austin Dillon’s Cup Series Exit, Richard Childress Brings In Another Grandson for Indianapolis appeared first on EssentiallySports.



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Indianapolis, IN

Developer planning $123M third phase of Carmel's Proscenium project – Indianapolis Business Journal

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Developer planning $123M third phase of Carmel's Proscenium project – Indianapolis Business Journal


Proscenium III would be built on the northwest side of the roundabout at South Rangeline Road and Executive Drive. (Rendering courtesy city of Carmel)

A developer with plans for a $123 million third phase of the Proscenium complex in Carmel is seeking $19 million in tax-increment financing bonds for the project.

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Carmel-based Novo Development Group LLC and the city of Carmel are looking to partner to construct Proscenium III at the northwest corner of the roundabout at South Rangeline Road and Executive Drive.

If built according to current plans, the development will feature 151 apartments, a 125-room boutique hotel, 63,000 square feet of office space, 15,000 square feet of retail space, 508 parking spaces and a public plaza.

“This is a project that is being driven by the need for office because we know that some office users are still moving into new headquarters,” Carmel Redevelopment Commission Director Henry Mestetsky told City Council members. “And, frankly, for every new office move that exists, they’re really picking between Bottleworks [in Indianapolis], Carmel and downtown Fishers when we need to make sure that they pick us.”

Proscenium III would be built on land west of Carmel City Hall currently occupied north-to-south by three single-family houses, a city-owned parking lot and an office building.

The project would be bounded by the Zeta Tau Alpha International headquarters (1036 S. Rangeline Road) to the north, South Rangeline Road to the east, Executive Drive to the south and Veterans Way to the west.

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A 125-room hotel is planned at Proscenium III in Carmel. (Rendering courtesy city of Carmel)

According to preliminary renderings, the boutique hotel would be built closest to the roundabout. Two office buildings would be built to the north along South Rangeline Road and an apartment building with a public plaza would be on the west side of the development along Veterans Way.

“We spent a lot of time on the architecture of the boutique hotel,” Novo Development Group founder Tony Birkla told councilors. Birkla Investment Group is the holding company for Novo Development Group.

Proscenium III would also have a 300-space parking garage, a 160-space parking garage and a 48-space surface parking lot. Eighty percent of the spaces would be open to the public, while the remaining spaces would be reserved for business and residential tenants.

“This is a project that is a primarily an office and luxury hotel project. This is not an apartments-first kind of project,” Mestetsky said. “This is what is desperately needed in the core, more walkable office, more walkable upscale hotel.”

The Carmel City Council’s Finance, Utilities and Rules Committee will next review Novo Development Group’s proposal to receive $19 million in developer-backed tax-increment financing bonds for the project. The developer would receive 95% of the TIF funds for the 25-year life of the bond. Indiana limits new TIF bonds to 25 years.

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A multifamily residential building with 151 apartments and a public plaza would be built along Veterans Way at Proscenium III in Carmel. (Rendering courtesy city of Carmel)

Carmel taxpayers would not be directly responsible for the costs associated with the developer-backed TIF financing if the council decides to approve it, Mestetsky said.

Some City Council members expressed concerns about the 95% to 5% split in the proposed TIF deal, while others wondered if there would be enough parking spaces available for tenants.

Carmel and Novo Development Group also partnered on the first two phases of the Proscenium complex.

Proscenium’s $85 million first phase was completed in 2021 on the northwest corner of South Rangeline Road and West Carmel Drive.

The project’s first elements—a 100,000-square-foot Agora at Proscenium office building and a 600-space subterranean parking garage—opened in summer 2020.

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Its 196 luxury apartments (called Ver at Proscenium), 15,000-square-foot restaurant building and a 22-unit condominium building opened in 2021 to complete the first phase of development.

Proscenium also has one restaurant on site—101 Beer Kitchen—and a salon and spa, Lux Lab Hair + Body. Indiana’s first Wahlburgers eatery operated at Proscenium before it closed earlier this month. The 4,600-square-foot Proscenium tavern, which is expected to house an Italian steakhouse and a wine-coffee bar, received approval last year.

Construction is expected to be complete this year on Proscenium’s $18 million second phase at 1215 S. Rangeline Road.

The five-story Proscenium II will feature 48 rental units and seven penthouse condominiums, 15,000 square feet of ground-floor space for retail and office uses, and a 120-vehicle multilevel parking garage.

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