Ratio Architects have unveiled plans for a mixed-use building across the street from the Slippery Noodle on Meridian, called Ralston Square. Some of the features include:
- 150 room hotel
- 60 condos
- 41,000 sq ft of retail space
- The first mid-rise in the city with LEED-certification
- A curved north face to mesh with the railroad tracks
- Green roof
As usual I have reservations with the large above-ground parking garage, but at least there is more than just parking above the first level, which is something that may be unique to this project in the city. The full story is available at the Indianapolis Business Journal, which includes a good quote by one of the principals in the project, Bill Browne: “As you walk around a city, ultimately the more dense it is, the more successful,†Browne said. “You need the city to be a 24-hour city. Indianapolis really feels to me that we’re getting to that place. As these empty and missing teeth get filled in, it’ll just perpetuate the success.â€
I’m glad to see these “missing teeth” get filled in.
One comment on the article, though. It is incorrect to say the building is “LEED-certified.” That is only true IF the building acheives certification, which is not determined until after construction is complete and the documentation reviewed and approved by the US Green Building Council.
The correct statement might be that the project “will seek LEED certification,” or “is LEED registered (if in fact registration has been completed).”
That’s correct, thank you for the comment.
I’ve long been confused why people seek LEED certification. Not why they build to LEED standards — the payoff for that is obvious — but why they apply for LEED certification. Aren’t the bonuses in (a) feeling good about constructing in a sustainable way and (b) lower operating costs over the life of the structure?
Unless I’m missing something like tax credits for building to LEED standards, applying for certification after construction just seems like a marketing gimmick. You’re not going to fundamentally change the structure once it’s done.
Yup, that’s my understanding as well. Marketing is a major benefit to a LEED-certification. People looking to buy a condo, or even move here from another city, may specifically be looking to move to a LEED building. It might help slow the brain drain a bit. I hope that “a leed ap” can return to add some more to the conversation with regards to tax breaks and such.
Where is the architecture in this structure?
I believe I read a program that was seemingly interesting and complex. A program that provided an impetus for at least 5 masses. In this building I see one, and many not to scale trees
I’m pleased that you post buildings such as this, so that way we can see what is going on in the opposite camp. Projects like this allow me to understand why design has a hard time in this particular vernacular.
This building has taken very little from the notion of railroads, transportation, movement, flow, connections, scale, materials, ect.
Ratio needs to revisit South Street and understand its potential and future. It needs to get up on the tracks and walk them…grasp views and create something poetical, ethical, and responsible.
When I see architecture such as this…I believe we can live without architecture
I don’t love the design either…I agree that it would be nice to front South Street with more of the project. It’s still better than a parking lot.