News Summary

Indianapolis officials are exploring the conversion of the former Sherman Drive-In theater site into a potential data center. The vacant 13-acre property in the Martindale-Brightwood neighborhood is being discussed with community input emphasized. While a West Coast tech company has shown interest, no formal agreements have been made yet. Resident concerns focus on the suitability of a data center versus other local retail options. A community meeting is scheduled to provide clear information and gather feedback regarding the proposal.

Indianapolis Investigates Potential Data Center Development on Former Sherman Drive-In Site

Overview of the Proposed Development

Indianapolis officials are evaluating the possibility of transforming the long-vacant site of the former Sherman Drive-In theater into a data center. The property, located at 2505 N. Sherman Ave. in the Martindale-Brightwood neighborhood, spans approximately 13 acres. The site, which has remained unused since the Sherman Drive-In closed in June 1983, is situated in an area surrounded by various commercial and industrial businesses, including an auto shop, a trucking school, and a half-filled shopping mall.

Details of the Proposal and Stakeholder Involvement

The potential project is currently in the discussion phase. Indianapolis City-County Councilor Rob Gibson has been in contact with an attorney representing a West Coast tech company reportedly known as Metrobloks. The company has expressed interest in developing smaller-scale data centers in urban environments across the country. However, there has been no formal agreement or purchase offer made for the property at this stage.

Gibson clarified that the data center proposal is not finalized and is subject to further community input. He emphasized that the development must meet community satisfaction, particularly regarding the levels of investment and environmental safeguards. The neighborhood’s history with industrial operations raises concerns about potential environmental impacts, and officials aim to address those concerns before moving forward.

Community Response and Local Concerns

Longtime residents are questioning whether a data center would provide tangible benefits to the neighborhood, especially when alternative commercial developments, such as grocery stores or restaurants, might better serve local needs. A local resident expressed a desire for a more diverse mix of businesses, highlighting the community’s preference for retail and service-oriented establishments over a data center.

Despite cautious optimism from some community members, others remain wary due to past industrial projects that have negatively affected the area. Residents have voiced the need for additional information and transparency before forming opinions on the proposed development.

Economic and Environmental Considerations

Currently, Indy Economic Development Inc. has not received any requests for incentives related to the potential data center project. This indicates that no financial commitments or approvals have been made at this time. The development of such facilities is often considered for their potential economic benefits; however, officials stress that environmental protections are a priority in the decision-making process.

Gibson has highlighted the importance of ensuring that any new development does not replicate negative environmental effects caused by previous industrial activities. The goal is to promote economic growth while safeguarding community health and promoting sustainable development practices.

Upcoming Community Engagement Opportunities

A community meeting regarding the potential data center is scheduled for 6 p.m. on Tuesday at the Frederick Douglass Park Family Center. The meeting aims to provide residents with detailed information about the project, answer questions, and gather feedback. Community members have expressed a desire for more clarity on what the development could mean for their neighborhood before supporting or opposing the plan.

Background and Context

The Sherman Drive-In opened in 1965 and operated for less than two decades before closing in 1983. Since then, the site has remained vacant, with little redevelopment activity. The neighborhood of Martindale-Brightwood has been characterized by a mixture of industrial and commercial properties, with ongoing discussions about how best to utilize the available land to benefit local residents.

As urban communities seek new economic opportunities, developments like data centers are gaining attention for their potential to attract investment. Nonetheless, community input and environmental safeguards remain central to these discussions, especially in areas with a history of industrial activity that has raised environmental concerns among residents.

Summary

While the possibility of developing a data center on the former Sherman Drive-In site in Indianapolis is still in early stages, local officials and community members are actively engaging on the topic. With no formal agreements or incentive requests yet in place, the project’s future hinges on community support, environmental considerations, and transparent planning processes. The scheduled community meeting will be a critical step toward shaping the development’s trajectory in the neighborhood.

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Additional Resources

• WTHR: Data Center at Former Indy Drive-In
• Inside Indiana Business: Martindale-Brightwood Data Center
• WTHR: Residents Gather on Data Center Proposal
• WISH-TV: Vacant Drive-In for New Data Center
• Google Search: Data centers in Indiana

Author: STAFF HERE INDIANAPOLIS WRITER

The INDIANAPOLIS STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREIndianapolis.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Indianapolis, Marion County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Indianapolis 500, Indy Jazz Fest, and the Indiana State Fair. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Indy Chamber and Visit Indy, plus leading businesses in motorsports and healthcare that power the local economy such as Indianapolis Motor Speedway and IU Health. As part of the broader HERE network, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Indiana's dynamic landscape.