Old Winona Hospital site approved for multi-family development

Lisa Fox has noticed a big difference.

"It looks a lot better," said Fox.

Fox takes the bus almost every day along North Meridian Street.  She said she is a fan of the improvements made so far.  

"Knowing somebody is looking out and keeping it clean, it makes you feel safe," said Fox.  "To me it does, makes me feel safer."

Soon, part of the city's north side will get another shot in the arm, when ground is broken on the old Winona Hospital site.  It was torn down in October 2011 after sitting empty for seven years.

"Just being able to look to the north and not seeing an abandoned hospital with graffiti and broken windows is huge for us," said Brian Statz, Children's Museum of Indianapolis Vice President of Operations.

The Hearing Examiner approved a zoning change from hospital to multi-family development Thursday.  That means the land is one step closer to improving the area, instead of taking away from it.

The ongoing improvement is one of the reasons Keith Payne set up his shop here.  His company, North Meridian Hardware, will open within the next month. 

"I have always believed in Indy," said Payne.  "I am from here, I was born here, so I have always seen the potential.  It is neat to be able to see the people's perception of where this can go."