INDIANAPOLIS —A new site location for the Indianapolis Animal Care Services animal shelter has been selected. Previously planned for the Sherman Park campus, the new proposed site is the former Clearstream property, located at 5001 E. Raymond St., just west of Emerson Ave. on the southeast side.
The former Clearstream property is owned by the Indianapolis Housing Agency (IHA) but has sat dormant for nearly two decades. The City is collaborating with both IHA and the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) on the final terms of property transfer. The purchase is funded through Consolidated County funds and will not impact the identified funding for construction of the new facility.
The new shelter will be located in the 46203 zip code, historically the second-highest zip code in Marion County for stray pick-ups and animal control-related runs. The 46201 zip code is the highest in Marion County and is in close proximity to the new proposed site.
Funding for the facility includes a $19 million bond approved by the City-County Council. Friends of Indy Animals already has raised $6.7 million for the new shelter as part of its $7 million ‘Journey Home’ capital campaign. More than 80 individuals, families, foundations and companies have contributed to the campaign. Key gifts include a $3 million grant from the Nina Mason Pulliam Charitable Trust, a $1 million investment from the Lilly Endowment, Inc., and a $1 million gift from the Irsay family and the Indianapolis Colts.
The City remains committed to working with the Near Eastside community to fully implement the Sherman Park Area Wide Plan and bring in private investment to bring Sherman Park into a bustling center for employment and affordable housing. The City will be releasing a Request for Proposals (RFP) to solicit development proposals for the Sherman Park site in partnership with the Sherman Park Community Advisory Group. The RFP is intended to be released the first quarter of 2024.
Sherman Park, located at the corner of Michigan St. and Sherman Dr., was formerly the RCA plant. When the facility was closed, In 2018, the city announced redevelopment plans for the property, which the city acquired in 2012 for payment of past taxes. Issues with contaminated groundwater in the middle of the property and other concerns have caused significant delays in developing the land. RecycleForce has completed building on the north end of the property.