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Purdue University in Indianapolis is continuing to add to its downtown footprint, spending $4.5 million to acquire another property for its growing city campus.
The university bought the 27,000-square-foot building on nearly three-quarters of an acre at 518-520 Indiana Ave. on Jan. 15, but only this week publicly acknowledged the purchase.
The building for the past several years has been home to tech firm BrewLogix and law firm Schultz & Pogue LLP, but the university plans to take over the entire space.
Purdue said the property will help address near-term student needs, but it did not disclose more detailed plans.
The structure is on the southeast corner of Indiana Avenue and Michigan Street, catty-corner from the Madam Walker Legacy Center. The school said it is committed to retaining the exterior facades of the building in the short term, given its proximity to the Indiana Avenue Historic District, but that could change.
“The acquisition of 518-520 Indiana Ave. creates essential space for our students, faculty, staff and neighbors to utilize,” said Evan Hawkins, Purdue senior director of administrative operations in Indianapolis. “We are mindful of the tremendous history of the neighborhood, and especially the significance of this particular property. Though this property will help us respond to near-term space constraints, we very much look forward to working with our neighbors, community partners and the city to define the long-term vision of this property as well as our future campus vision for Indianapolis.”
The purchase of the Indiana Avenue building comes two months after Purdue confirmed its acquisition of another property near the Indianapolis Canal Walk, which was previously home to the American College of Sports Medicine.
Also in January, the school unveiled the first renderings for its $187 million Academic Success Building that will include student housing, classrooms, retail and other university-focused amenities. A groundbreaking ceremony for the 248,000-square-foot, project at the northwest corner of Michigan and West streets is set for April 2, with the 15-story building expected to open in 2027.
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