- Recruits exciting new businesses to the heart of Irvington. Most recently IDO helped to recruit two new, independently-owned businesses, Black Acre Brewing Co. and Ossip Optometry.
- IDO also oversees the Irvington Streetscape project which focuses on creating a sense of place and enhancing the economic vitality of Irvington.
- Manages the redevelopment of the old Indy East Motel which will become a sleek and contemporary 50 unit apartment complex.
- Promotes the Irvington Green Initiative which focuses on sustainability efforts in Irvington,.
- Awarded over $180,000 in grants to local businesses and property owners. Facade grants improve their buildings’ appearance and beautify our corridor!
Additional Accomplishments
IDO is proud of what its members, working together, have accomplished over the last few years. Here are some highlights:
- A $1 million grant from the U.S. Department of Transportation to improve the Washington Streetscape between Irvington and Bolton avenues. More than half of the $300,000 needed from the local community has already been raised.
- A grant and support from the Local Initiative Support Corporation (LISC) to hire a full-time corridor director.
- More than $60,000 in matching grants from the Fostering Commercial Urban Strategies (FOCUS) Initiative to assist more than a dozen local businesses in making façade improvements.
- Through collaboration with the Irvington Historical Society, Historic Irvington Community Council and City of Indianapolis, a $5,500 grant from Preserve America to prepare feasibility studies of two historically significant buildings and market vacant properties in the Historic Irvington Business District.
- An economic development plan for the business district that will help us to chart our business growth through this year and beyond.
- A new Business Directory that will be mailed to every home and business in Irvington.
- A website and newsletter that help spread the word about IDO news and economic development
Our History
In 2002, community leaders who were concerned with the decline in the number and types of businesses along Washington Street established the Irvington Development Organization, a membership-based non-profit aimed at preserving the neighborhood’s stability and charm while also encouraging measured economic growth.
Meet the Board The IDO Board includes representatives from the Historic Irvington Community Council, Irvington Historical Society, Association of Irvington Merchants, Irvington Garden Club and the Irvington Guild of Artists. Having the participation of these groups on the Board help IDO approach development issues from a broad-based & collaborative perspective.
Interested in learning more about IDO? Contact us and we will help you.
Support Irvington’s positive growth by becoming a member of IDO. Join Now!
