'Eyesore' apartment complex in Northeast Indy to be demolished. Here's what will replace it

Old jackets, strewn tires, a rusty pickup and trash line a vacant apartment complex in northeast Indianapolis.

Courtyards at Roselawn Park has faced persistent issues with squatters, fires and disturbances since it was vacated. But the troubled complex has created issues for surrounding neighbors dating back at least a decade.

Now, the complex at 5074 Roselawn Drive is one of 12 vacant buildings that will be rehabilitated as part of the Gateway to Life initiative, spearheaded by the Northeast Indianapolis Community Service Corporation, a community development organization within Kingdom Apostolic Ministries.

The Northeast Indianapolis organization pushed Emerson Park Apartments LLC, the buildings' property owner, to create something meaningful out of the complex. In 2020, the CEO of the organization spoke with Indianapolis Mayor Joe Hogsett to help spur the project.

"It's better to do something with it than nothing because it's kind of an eyesore," said Violet Atlee, a neighbor.

The Gateway to Life initiative will make 250 affordable apartments available on the northeast side of Indianapolis next year and will cost around $48 million, according to past IndyStar reporting. It has received federal and state tax credits through the Indiana Housing and Community Development Authority, along with an up to $5 million commitment by the city of Indianapolis.

On Jan. 30, demolition orders for two buildings within the Courtyards at Roselawn complex were approved.

The bid for the demolition of the two buildings closes July 18, after which a contract will be awarded.

The Indianapolis Department of Business and Neighborhood Services estimates this demolition process will cost between $675,000 and $850,000.

A history of issues

Courtyards at Roselawn Park was plagued with problems before its tenants were forced out. However, nearby residents have dealt with a new set of hazards since plywood went up over Courtyards' doors and windows.

Leal and Lolita Smith have lived in a house behind the Roselawn apartment complex for 45 years. Lolita Smith said that for as long as she can remember, the complex has had squatters coming in and out.

"They should've gotten rid of it a long time ago," Leal Smith said.

Nearby residents are not the only ones suffering. In summer 2023, the Indianapolis Fire Department responded to at least two fires at the complex. Several firefighters were injured when trash piled up around the complex made it difficult to battle the blaze.

The Indianapolis Department of Business and Neighborhood Services has tried to address chronic concerns at the apartment complex since 2021, according to Dawn Olsen, the department's chief communications officer.

Since then, Olsen said, the department has boarded the complex 55 times and has conducted three extensive clean-ups.

In addition to addressing squatters and boarding the complex, the department has opened high weeds and grass violations and has performed multiple trash inspections.

Problems at the complex date back to before it was vacated.

In 2014, when the apartment complex was called Harmony Park Place Apartments, it faced multiple health issues, including water leaks and burst pipes. These unsafe living conditions led to court-ordered evictions for its residents.

It is still unclear when neighbors will spot excavators and bulldozers at the complex.

According to previous Indy Star reporting, construction to rebuild the complex is expected to finish before the end of 2025. After construction wraps up, Black and White Investments will manage the properties for the first few years.

For now, residents are looking forward to finally getting rid of the nuisance.

Since moving to the neighborhood, Leal and Lolita Smith have put up a fence in their backyard, which they said has helped separate themselves from the complex.

"Clear it all. It makes the neighborhood look really bad," Lolita Smith said. "It's kind of embarrassing."

Correction: This article was edited on July 3, 2024 to clarify the cost and scope of demolition.

Yasmeen Saadi is a Pulliam Fellow, primarily covering breaking news and crime. You can email her at YSaadi@gannett.com.

This article originally appeared on Indianapolis Star: 'Eyesore' apartment complex in Northeast Indianapolis to be demolished