Long-Vacant Buildings Demolished for New Apartment Complex in Indianapolis

M-22 Apartments to Bring 127 Units to 22nd and Meridian Street Corner

Mar. 14, 2026 at 12:06am

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Long-abandoned buildings at the corner of 22nd and Meridian Street in Indianapolis are being demolished to make way for a new apartment development called M-22. The 127-unit project is a partnership between Crestline and the Near North Development Corporation, with a focus on affordable housing as part of the Indy Health District's efforts to improve access to housing, healthy food, and workforce development in the area.

Why it matters

The 22nd and Meridian Street corner has long been a commercial hub for the neighborhood, with many minority-owned businesses, restaurants, and shops in the past. The demolition and redevelopment of the vacant buildings aims to revitalize the area and provide more affordable housing options, though some local business owners are concerned about the potential impact on rents and small businesses in the community.

The details

The M-22 Apartments project will bring 127 units to the area through a partnership between Crestline and the Near North Development Corporation. The development is located within the Indy Health District, a nonprofit focused on improving access to housing, healthy food and workforce development. Affordability is a central commitment tied to the project's funding, with some grant dollars contingent on an affordability mix in the units.

  • The long-abandoned buildings at the corner of 22nd and Meridian Street in Indianapolis are currently being demolished.
  • The M-22 Apartments project is expected to be completed in the near future.

The players

Indy Health District

A nonprofit organization focused on improving access to housing, healthy food, and workforce development in the Indianapolis area.

Crestline

A development company partnering with the Near North Development Corporation on the M-22 Apartments project.

Near North Development Corporation

A nonprofit organization partnering with Crestline on the M-22 Apartments project to bring more affordable housing to the area.

Jamal Smith

The executive director of the Indy Health District.

Marvin Taylor

A barber who has operated All in the Wrists Barbershop in the area for 10 years.

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What they’re saying

“We have heard on a number of occasions their desire to develop, invest in that area, in addition to the request for additional home ownership opportunities, affordable home ownership and housing opportunities.”

— Jamal Smith, Executive Director, Indy Health District (wrtv.com)

“When I got here in 2016, the buildings were dilapidated. There's been a lot of things going on over there, just, you know, the unsheltered and things like that. So it's been an eyesore and a hindrance for business for a very long time.”

— Marvin Taylor, Barber, All in the Wrists Barbershop (wrtv.com)

“One of my concerns is with the upcoming construction: will my rent be raised? Will some of the prices for rent for people, small business owners in this area, will we be forced out because of some of the upcoming changes? But if I'm able to stay here, absolutely, I think this is going to be great for the neighborhood.”

— Marvin Taylor, Barber, All in the Wrists Barbershop (wrtv.com)

What’s next

The M-22 Apartments project is expected to be completed in the near future, providing 127 new housing units to the 22nd and Meridian Street area of Indianapolis.

The takeaway

The demolition of the long-vacant buildings at 22nd and Meridian Street and the development of the new M-22 Apartments project represents an effort to revitalize the area and provide more affordable housing options, though some local business owners are concerned about the potential impact on rents and small businesses in the community.