Marian University to Transform Former VA Hospital into Education Hub

The 22-acre site will serve students from early childhood through adult credentialing programs.

Published on Mar. 9, 2026

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Marian University announced plans to transform the former Larue Carter Hospital, a 22-acre property that previously housed a Veterans Administration hospital in Indianapolis, into a 'cradle-to-career education hub.' The project is part of the university's Riverside Education Innovation District initiative, which aims to expand educational access and career pathways for families in the Near Northwest Area.

Why it matters

The redevelopment of the former VA hospital site represents an opportunity for Marian University to address educational inequities and provide expanded learning and career opportunities for underserved communities in Indianapolis. The project aligns with broader efforts to revitalize the Riverside neighborhood and invest in the educational attainment of local residents.

The details

The site, known as The Grove at Cold Spring, will serve students ranging from early childhood through 'adult credentialing' programs, which provide free or low-cost training, certifications, and high school equivalency diplomas to help workers gain skills for high-demand fields. Marian University is partnering with Vincennes University and St. Mary's Early Learning Center on the redevelopment project, which is being supported by a lead gift from Lilly Endowment Inc.

  • The former Larue Carter Hospital was built in 1931.
  • Marian University announced the redevelopment plans on March 9, 2026.

The players

Marian University

A private Catholic, Franciscan college in Indianapolis with approximately 5,100 students.

Lilly Endowment Inc.

A private philanthropic foundation that provided a lead gift to support the redevelopment project.

Vincennes University

A public university in Indiana that is partnering with Marian University on the education hub.

St. Mary's Early Learning Center

An early childhood education provider that is also a partner in the redevelopment project.

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What’s next

The redevelopment project is still in the planning stages, and Marian University has not yet provided details on the timeline for completing the transformation of the former VA hospital site into the new education hub.

The takeaway

The redevelopment of the former VA hospital site represents a significant investment in expanding educational opportunities and career pathways for underserved communities in Indianapolis. By partnering with local institutions and leveraging philanthropic support, Marian University is positioning the Riverside neighborhood as a hub for cradle-to-career learning and workforce development.