A Holistic Vision for Inclusive Development

Redevelopment of the former Indiana Women’s Prison Site

Decommissioned and largely vacant since 2017, the redevelopment of the former Indiana Women’s Prison (IWP) offers a rare and powerful opportunity to transform a place of confinement and disinvestment into a thriving, inclusive neighborhood rooted in justice, memory, and renewal.

Farr Associates was invited to participate on the ULI Indiana technical assistance panel (TAP) to develop a set of recommendations for the redevelopment of the 15-acre site. With guidance from subject matter experts and through engagement with community stakeholders, the TAP study offers a set of actionable recommendations for the City of Indianapolis to ensure equitable, place-based redevelopment that respects the site’s historical significance and meets the community’s evolving needs.

Client: Urban Land Institute (ULI) Indiana

Location: Indianapolis, IN

Role: Technical Assistance, Community Engagement

Project Area: 15 Acres

Study Completed: 2025

  • Community Inclusion & Participation

    The panel gathered extensive input from residents, community leaders, nonprofit organizations, and local stakeholders to guide the redevelopment of the IWP site.

    Their input provided a foundation for the TAP’s recommendations and highlighted key themes of local importance. The community expressed a strong desire to be included not only in visioning and design, but also in implementation and ongoing stewardship.

  • Housing as the Heart of Revitalization

    Community members expressed deep concern about rising housing costs, the displacement of long-time residents, and the lack of affordable and accessible options for households across the income spectrum.

    There was broad support for new housing, especially if it integrates affordable, accessible units while respecting the existing community fabric.

  • Cultural & Historic Significance

    Community members urged that the cultural significance of the site—particularly its history as a women’s prison—be preserved and interpreted through commemorative uses and programming.

    Resident groups particularly noted the site’s historic chapel (above) as worthy of preservation — a meaningful structure with potential for cultural or community use in the redevelopment of the site.

Vision & Core Values

The redevelopment of the site stands at a critical intersection of memory, opportunity, and community investment.

The TAP’s report reflects a shared vision for redevelopment shaped by community values and technical expertise. It emphasizes adaptive reuse of historic structures, housing diversity with affordability at its core, vibrant public spaces, and implementation strategies designed to center equity and transparency.

The recommendations address six key areas: vision and values, community engagement, planning and infrastructure, market potential, financing, and implementation.