Restoring History: Marian University Begins Work on Historic VA Hospital This Year

Marian University is set to begin work on restoring a historic VA hospital building in Indianapolis this year. The 94-year-old Larue Carter Hospital, once known as the Veterans Affairs hospital, has been vacant since 2019 and is now being transformed into a community education center.

According to Chris Creighton, Marian University's Vice President of Innovation and Growth, the rehabilitation project will take about two years to complete. The goal is to create a space for organizations and educators from across the community to help children learn.

"It's about partnering on literacy initiatives and lifelong educational attainment from cradle to career," said Creighton. "When I look at the building, I see the potential."

Creighton emphasized that despite the size, age, and decay of the former VA hospital, the university is not intimidated by its challenges. He sees the project as an opportunity for positive change in the community.

"The positive potential for the Northwest area is limitless," Creighton said. "Working together, we can bring this property back to life and continue to improve."

Marian University aims to make the historic hospital building the centerpiece of its Riverside Education Innovation District, or REID, a community-focused initiative.