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White Construction and IEA give back to Indianapolis nonprofit Aspire House and Franklin Young Park
Just 12 minutes from our Intech office, an old firehouse is being renewed to eradicate systemic racism. Click here to learn more about the nonprofit and IEA’s involvement.
On the corner of Udell and Radar Street in Indianapolis sits an old firehouse- 125 years old, to be exact. From 1897 to 1961, Fire Station No. 9 serviced the Near Northside of Indy in what was and is a primarily African American community.
The Near Northside community is struggling. Stretching from 38th to 16th street, this square-shaped neighborhood outside of downtown has a median household income of $28,443 less than the national average. Located in a food desert, it lacks local businesses despite its proximity to notable employers such as Butler University, Coffin Golf Course, and Newfields (Indianapolis Museum of Art).
In 2012, Sharon and Tim Clark, a married couple committed to urban development and renewal, bought the firehouse and named it the Aspire House. They began creating plans for a nonprofit to benefit the surrounding area. The Aspire House’s mission is to help eradicate systemic racism and social injustice in the community by renovating and/or building residential dwellings.
“Right now, we’re trying to make it new and give it back to the community at the same time,” said Sharon Clark. “I felt it was a space that needed renewal.”
This mission and vision for uplifting the area have been a journey, as Indianapolis city workers and partners have come alongside them to reclaim the firehouse and 100-year-old Frank Young Park directly across the street. It was so notable that an Indianapolis Department of Public Works Project Manager introduced White Construction Vice President of Civil Operations Bill Lang to the effort; he immediately wanted to get involved.
Through strategic lobbying and partnering across the IEA Family of companies, William Charles’s leaders got in touch with the Northwestern Illinois Contractors Association and secured a grant for $20,000. Lang and other IEA representatives presented the check along with another $5,000 donated from IEA this week, accompanied by a full tour and explanation of future goals.
“We’re thankful to find a worthy endeavor to support that’s close to home and will undoubtedly uplift an unfortunately overlooked area,” said Lang.
The Aspire House will provide a space for learning, the arts, culinary opportunities, and residential space. In this endeavor, the house will offer a place for collaborators to work, professionals to mentor in different fields, and even a demonstration kitchen to provide lessons and bakery-style food to the area.
We are happy to support the work to eradicate systemic racism in a space so close to our IEA Corporate headquarters- just 12 minutes away, to be exact. As we look to come alongside and uplift a neighborhood close to home, we prepare to provide the Aspire House with a resource for volunteers, a consultant on any construction work, and an Indianapolis partner.
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