Construction begins for new Indianapolis police horse barn
After years of temporary and outdated work spaces, the Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department’s Mounted Patrol will soon have a new, permanent home.
The groundbreaking for the unit’s $1.7 million facility was held Thursday in its new location just west of downtown, in the 3300 block of West Vermont Street. The department’s Mounted Patrol was forced to move out of its property on Tibbs Avenue last year when the agreement to stay expired, prompting the unit to ask the community for donations.
Since then, the officers have worked out of temporary construction trailers.
With $1.4 million raised so far, construction has begun for the unit’s new 20,000 square-foot facility that will include offices, a barn, stables and both indoor and outdoor riding arenas.
The police department’s Mounted Patrol consists of officers who patrol and attend community events on horseback. The unit includes three full-time officers, two part-time officers and seven horses.
The Central Indiana Police Foundation is still seeking donations to fully complete and outfit the stalls. Donations can be made at https://cipf.foundation/buildthebarn/.
Construction is expected to finish by summer 2024.
Contact reporter Sarah Nelson at 317-503-7514 or sarah.nelson@indystar.com
This article originally appeared on Indianapolis Star: Indianapolis police horses to have new barn by 2024
