The 1828 Project’s one of our signature programs at IndyHub, and each year it’s full of incredible leaders between the ages of 18 and 28. Alex was a part of 1828’s Class III. We sent him some questions. He responded. We totally think you should meet him, so keep reading.
IndyHub: How many years have you lived in Indy? What’s your favorite Indy spot?
Alex: I grew up in Indy and have lived here for 26 years. I just bought a house in Wynnedale, so it looks like I’ll be around for the foreseeable future as well! My favorite spot in Indy is the Canal Towpath. I love running from the IMA up to Holcomb Gardens at Butler. Very scenic and peaceful.
How would you describe your connection to Indianapolis when you began 1828?
I’ve always loved Indy and felt a certain need to defend it from people that hold a negative perception of the Midwest (those people seem to be shrinking). People think there’s nothing to do here and that is total bologna.
I think the city has a ton of momentum and there is a real sense that Indy is turning a corner and becoming a city that people feel an emotional connection towards.
I love seeing the growth downtown and all of the investment and development that is happening in some of Indy’s first ring suburbs, like the area between the Old-Northside and Martindale-Brightwood (where Tinker Street is located – does that area have a name yet?) and Fountain Square.
What have you been up to since 1828?
After 1828 I had a great opportunity to work with Plan 2020, the Bicentennial Plan for Indianapolis. It was awesome to work with a group of people who were working to shape the future of Indianapolis.
Most recently, I have started working for Cummins as a Communications Specialist in their Corporate Responsibility Department. Cummins’ Corporate Responsibility invests resources in three global strategic initiatives: TEC: Technical Education for Communities, Power to Prosper and the Environmental Challenge.
It’s a very exciting and rewarding job!
What project are you most excited about in Indy?
I can’t wait to see what Market East looks like in two years. The amount of investment and development happening in that area will drastically change the landscape in that once underutilized part of town.
There are three apartment projects underway, including a 28-story skyscraper that is going to be anchored by a Whole Foods; the Downtown Transit Center; the re-design of the City-County Building Plaza; and the new Cummins Global Distribution Facility.
Those are all really exciting projects that will create a destination for people living and visiting Indianapolis.
Of all the cities where you could live, why did you choose Indy?
Many other people have said this, but I think the perfect description of Indy is the “intersection of access and opportunity.” The circle of stakeholders influencing the future of the city is open and diverse.
People with ideas and passion are rewarded with the opportunity to contribute and influence. Indy is the perfect city to grow and develop and people genuinely care about what you have to say.
