Former Indiana Women’s Prison

City of Indianapolis and Marion County
Request for Expressions of Interest
Release Date June 17, 2026
Request for Expressions of RFEI-13DMD-2026-1
Interest Reference Number
Request for Expressions of Department of Metropolitan Development Request for
Interest Title Expressions of Interest for the Former Indiana Women's
Prison
Agency Department of Metropolitan Development
Agency Contact Eddie Shei
Tel: 317.327.8709
Email: Eddie.Shei@indy.gov
Written Questions Due Date: Monday, August 31, 2026, at 12:00 noon (EST) by email
to Eddie.Shei@indy.gov
Request for Expressions of This Request for Expressions of Interest will remain open
Interest Submittal Deadline for submissions for a period of sixteen (16) weeks from the
Delivery Due Date and Time date of issuance on June 17, 2026, and ending on
(Eastern Time) Wednesday, September 30, 2026, at 12:00 noon EST.
Delivery by email only to Eddie.Shei@indy.gov
Electronic Submissions Only

REQUEST FOR EXPRESSIONS OF
INTEREST
The Former Indiana Women's Prison
RFEI-13DMD-2026-1
RFI ISSUED: June 17, 2026
RESPONSES DUE: September 30, 2026

Table of Contents
1. Statement of Need .................................................................................. 3
2. Qualifications and Purpose ...................................................................... 3
3. Background ............................................................................................ 3
Historic Preservation .............................................................................................. 4
Environmental Conditions ....................................................................................... 4
Structural Conditions ............................................................................................. 5
Zoning ................................................................................................................... 5
4. Potential Uses of Space ........................................................................... 5
5. Activation & Community Outcomes .......................................................... 6
6. Information Requested and Submission Requirements ............................. 6
7. Submittal Process and Timeline ............................................................... 8
8. Privilege Clause; Right to Alter ................................................................. 8
9. No Contract; Costs and Expenses; Additional Information ......................... 9
10. Disclaimer .............................................................................................. 9
Exhibits ...................................................................................................................... 10
Exhibit A - 2025 Former Indiana Women's Prison Survey Report .............................. 10
Exhibit B - Structural Assessment .......................................................................... 10
Exhibit C - Recorded Deed Covenants ................................................................... 10
Exhibit D - Phase 1 and Phase 2 ESA ...................................................................... 10
Exhibit E - Comfort Letter & Environmental Restrictive Covenant ............................. 10
Exhibit F - Building Floor Plans .............................................................................. 10
Exhibit G - Site Plan & Descriptions ........................................................................ 10
Exhibit H - Site Photos .......................................................................................... 10
Exhibit I - Urban Land Institute Technical Assistance Panel ..................................... 10
RFEI-13DMD-2026-1 Former Indiana Women's Prison Request for Expressions of Interest 2

1. Statement of Need
The City of Indianapolis Department of Metropolitan Development (DMD) issues this
Request for Expressions of Interest (RFEI) for adaptive reuse, activation and programming of
the historic Former Indiana Women's Prison. The site is located at 401 N Randolph St in the
Near Eastside of the city and has been vacant for nearly a decade. The Former Indiana
Women's Prison needs a new, economically sustainable vision for a vibrant reuse befitting
its location and presence.
2. Qualifications and Purpose
This solicitation is an opportunity for the City to gather ideas and concepts, identify priorities
and needs, and gauge interest from qualified parties in all, or a portion of, the Former Indiana
Women's Prison. With this request, DMD looks to cast a wide net to gather input from
interested operators in hopes of unlocking the potential of the site and facility. While the City
is offering suggestions for the types of uses, Respondents are not limited to those concepts.
Rationale for the proposed use(s), demonstrating demand, impact, sustainability and
capacity to execute will be given strong consideration. Concepts should honor and preserve
the historic significance of the Former Indiana Women's Prison structure and its legacy. The
information gathered will help shape the physical layout, infrastructure planning, tenant
mix, activation strategies, and budget priorities for the renovation, ensuring the creation of
a vibrant, inclusive, and sustainable space.
3. Background
The Indiana Reformatory Institution for Women and Girls, as the Former Indiana Women's
Prison was officially known, is a historic landmark located in Indianapolis' Near Eastside,
and was the first women's-only prison in the United States when it was constructed in 1873.
Originally built to house women incarcerated at the co-ed State Prison located in Clark
County, Indiana, the original buildings have since been demolished and the current
buildings were built in the late 1930s as a part of President Franklin D. Roosevelt's New Deal.
The site represents what is likely the most complete New Deal construction remaining within
Indianapolis/Marion County.
After its closure in 2009, it was converted into the Indianapolis Re-entry Education Facility
and operated through July 2017. This functioned as a minimum-security state prison where
male offenders were prepared to reintegrate with society, focused on education, job skills
training and other activities focused on reduction of recidivism. The property was owned and
maintained by the State of Indiana Department of Administration until late December 2024,
RFEI-13DMD-2026-1 Former Indiana Women's Prison Request for Expressions of Interest 3

when it was transferred to the City of Indianapolis Department of Metropolitan Development
as a part of a land swap.
Its redevelopment presents an opportunity for the space to be reimagined. In doing so, DMD
seeks to ensure the needs of the Near Eastside are met through construction of mixed-use
development and mixed-income single- and multi-family residential, while integrating the
historic buildings and green space in the center of the campus.
Historic Preservation
Due to historic covenants placed on the property by the State of Indiana Department of
Natural Resources Division of Historic Preservation and Archaeology (DNR DHPA), all
buildings on the property must be preserved and reused. Per the covenants (Exhibit C), the
property must be maintained in a way that complies with the Secretary of the Interior's
Standards for Historic Preservation, which includes maintaining the open greenspace
("quad") in the center of the buildings as greenspace (as depicted in Exhibit G). While new
construction, additions to the existing structures and minor alterations to the exterior of the
buildings are allowed, the DNR DHPA must be consulted and must approve of such
changes, including height, materials, etc.
Environmental Conditions
During various stages of its history, the IWP was home to a laundry and later a dry-cleaning
facility. There were also present at different times three underground storage tanks (USTs)
for petroleum products, which were removed by the IDOA and for which a No Further Action
letter was issued by IDEM in 2015.
In 2025, the City conducted a Phase 2 Environmental Site Assessment (ESA) (included in
Exhibit D with the Phase 1 ESA), during which a ground penetrating radar (GPR) survey was
completed. On-site soil and groundwater contamination was confirmed to be present on the
site above certain levels established by the IDEM R2 Risk-Screening guide. The GPR survey
did not reveal the presence of subsurface anomalies.
The City received a Comfort Letter from the Indiana Department of Environmental
Management (IDEM) in March 2026. A section of the Comfort Letter included an
Environmental Restrictive Covenant (ERC) that was required to be recorded on the property
deed to address the documented contamination affecting portions of the site. The only land-
use restriction contained in the ERC was to prevent use of groundwater on the property for
any use other than for environmental investigations. In addition to the ERC, Reasonable
Steps required to maintain protections to liability for environmental contamination include
RFEI-13DMD-2026-1 Former Indiana Women's Prison Request for Expressions of Interest 4

conducting two worst-case indoor air and sub slab sampling events to verify that indoor air
is not affected by historical dry-cleaning operations prior to occupancy of existing
structures. The first sampling event will be conducted by DMD in Summer 2026.
Structural Conditions
In March 2026, DMD contracted with American Structurepoint to conduct a structural
assessment (included in Exhibit B). The assessment concluded that the buildings and
tunnels under the buildings are all structurally sound, with no immediate-term repairs or
repairs for life safety being required at this time. The medium- to long-term repairs needed
are primarily focused on the building envelope where damage has occurred due to vacancy,
such as:
Removal of the gutters, valley caps and other copper flashings from the rooftops
Damage from trespassing
-
Spalling and flaking concrete from exposure to the elements
-
Soil washing away from foundations due to gutters being removed
-
Zon-ing
This property is currently zoned SU-8 (Correctional or Penal Institution, Diversion Center).
The City plans to rezone the site and will work with developers to determine the best fit for
the future development and adaptive reuse.
4. Potential Uses of Space
Contemplated uses include, but are not limited to:
- Prepared food vendors/restaurant(s);
- Bar, pub, tavern;
- Specialty retail (e.g., artisan, local goods);
- Fresh produce, butcher, florals, and grocery;
- Breweries, wineries, and distilleries;
- Cultural, arts, and event spaces;
- Residential;
Apartments
o
Condominiums
o
Townhomes
o
Missing middle
o
Live/Work
o
- Office, medical and therapeutic uses;
- Community center, educational and workforce development uses;
- Start-up incubation, coworking and maker spaces;
- Commercial uses;
RFEI-13DMD-2026-1 Former Indiana Women's Prison Request for Expressions of Interest 5

- Youth programming, activity and/or athletics; and
- Other compatible and innovative concepts.
The chapel and boiler house, combined with a portion of the existing green space, could
make an ideal location for an events venue/restaurant and food/drink preparation space.
Similarly, the existing layouts of the Administration Building, Infirmary and Visitors' Center
lend themselves to offices or similar commercial uses. The site plan in Exhibit G includes a
brief description of each building and Exhibit H has various photos of the interiors.
5. Activation & Community Outcomes
The City seeks operators and partners who can contribute to making the Former Indiana
Women's Prison site a vibrant and inclusive community hub. Respondents are encouraged
to outline how their programming and presence will:
- Complement existing, surrounding uses, activities, and amenities;
- Support cultural, arts, and community events;
- Create opportunities for local entrepreneurs, including Minority-, Women-, Veteran-
and Disabled-owned Business Enterprises;
- Encourage public engagement, educational programming; and
- Align with the Community Engagement Survey completed in 2025 (Exhibit A).
6. Information Requested and Submission Requirements
Submissions should be no more than 40 pages and include responses to each of the
following:
1. Experience and qualifications developing and managing operations relevant to
the proposed concept, demonstrating:
a. Process for identifying and developing concept(s);
b. Collaboration with municipal agencies and community members and
building effective partnerships;
c. Implementation of new, impactful or transformational concepts, and;
d. Achievement of long-term sustainability.
2. Brief bio of key individuals who will be involved in planning, delivery and
management of the proposed concept.
3. Project references (up to four (4) cut sheets) for relevant project development or
operations including:
a. Project summary;
b. Role, and;
c. Individual point of contact for follow-up.
RFEI-13DMD-2026-1 Former Indiana Women's Prison Request for Expressions of Interest 6

i. References should not be current City of Indianapolis/Marion
County employees.
4. Project approach, including:
a. Building(s) and vacant land (if desired) response is intended for
b. Description of proposed use(s) and operational model;
c. Rationale for the proposed use(s), demonstrating how it will meet or
create demand, viability;
d. Estimated space requirements and location preferences;
e. Infrastructure, utility, and fit-out needs;
f. Maintenance and upkeep plan, including janitorial services, security, and
operational reserves;
g. How the use(s) will consider and respond to feedback from the 2025
Community Preference Survey (attached as Exhibit A);
h. Any special considerations that could influence design or budget;
i. Overview of tenant attraction and retention plan or tenant pipeline.
5. Financial Analysis, Capacity and Capability of Respondent:
a. Demonstrate access to capital or credit sufficient to finance proposed
concept;
b. Provide financial statements upon request;
c. High level sources and uses;
6. Approach or plan for activating community engagement and incorporating
participation from local community members, businesses, and organizations.
7. MBE/WBE/VBE/DOBE participation plan.
8. Respondent contact information.
9. Any additional information that would be beneficial to have if and when a
Request for Qualifications (RFQual) or Request for Proposals (RFP) would be
released.
No responses shall be for solely vacant land. Interest in all vacant, developable land
should be paired with the adaptive reuse of at least one of the existing buildings.
Responses that include a master plan for the entirety of the property are also
welcomed.
Please include any concerns about the feasibility of redeveloping any existing historic
structures.
RFEI-13DMD-2026-1 Former Indiana Women's Prison Request for Expressions of Interest 7

7. Submittal Process and Timeline
Description Date
RFEI Release Date: June 17, 2026
Site Tours: 1:00 PM EST, Friday July 24, 2026
1:00 PM EST, Friday, August 7, 2026
Questions Due: 12:00 Noon EST, August 31, 2026
Addendum Issued: Friday, September 11, 2026
EOI Submission Deadline: 12:00 Noon EST, September 30, 2026
Next Steps: The City may issue a formal Request for Qualifications (RFQual),
Request for Proposals (RFP) or use responses solely to inform planning.
Questions: Submit questions concerning this Request for Expressions of Interest no
later than 12 PM EST, August 31, 2026, to Eddie.Shei@indy.gov with subject line of
-
"RFEI-13DMD-2026-1 -Former Indiana Women's Prison"
Responses: Submit responses in a searchable PDF to Eddie.Shei@indy.gov with
subject line of "RFEI-13DMD-2026-1 -Former Indiana Women's Prison" by 12 PM
-
EST, September 30, 2026.
Pre-Submittal Conference: If respondent teams would like to schedule a 1-hour
pre-submittal conference with the DMD project team, please contact Eddie Shei at
-
Eddie.Shei@indy.gov. These will be scheduled on a first come basis prior to
questions being due on August 31, 2026.
Site Tours: Attendance on only one of the Site Tours is mandatory by at least one
member of a respondent team. For those attending, closed toe shoes and long pants
-
must be worn. Without these, attendees will not be permitted to enter the
property. There are no utilities connected and some areas do not receive natural
light, so it is recommended that attendees bring a flashlight with them.
Attendees will meet in the parking lot at 401 N. Randolph St., located on the
o
northeast corner of the intersection of N. Randolph St. and E. New York St. and
will be required to sign a Waiver of Liability prior to the tour.
8. Privilege Clause; Right to Alter
Notwithstanding any other provision in this RFEI, the City may, in its sole discretion, elect
not to proceed with an RFP or with any transaction contemplated by this RFEI. The City is
under no obligation to Respondents to this RFEI.
Further, the City reserves the right to selectively identify on the basis of demonstrated
products, qualifications, and some, but perhaps not all, Respondents to this RFEI for
participation in the presentation stage of this RFEI process, and/or for further participation
RFEI-13DMD-2026-1 Former Indiana Women's Prison Request for Expressions of Interest 8

in any RFP and/or bid processes that may be issued. The City reserves the right to alter any
of the conditions and criteria outlined in this RFEI, including the deadline for submissions,
by posting addenda on the City's website at https://www.indy.gov/workflow/find-bid-
opportunities.
9. No Contract; Costs and Expenses; Additional Information
This is an inquiry only. By responding to this RFEI with a written submission or otherwise
participating in the process as outlined by this RFEI, each submitting party expressly agrees
that no contract of any kind is formed under or arises from this RFEI and that no legal
obligations as between any one or more proponents and the City will arise.
This RFEI, therefore, does not invite "priced offers" and no pricing information is to be
returned as part of a response.
Each Respondent is solely responsible for its own costs and expenses in preparing and
submitting a response to this RFEI and participating in the RFEI process, including any
provision of any additional information or attendance at meetings or interviews.
The City shall have no monetary obligation to any Respondent to this RFEI. The City will make
information available to Respondents via its website at https://www.indy.gov/workflow/find-
bid-opportunities and will not respond to requests for additional information or make copies
of documents as part of this solicitation process.
10. Disclaimer
This RFEI is issued solely for information-gathering purposes and does not constitute a
solicitation or offer. The City is under no obligation to proceed with any Respondent. All
costs incurred in preparing a submission are the responsibility of the Respondent.
RFEI-13DMD-2026-1 Former Indiana Women's Prison Request for Expressions of Interest 9